Welcome to De Montfort University (DMU) Contour Fashion Catwalk Show. I am delighted you have joined us at this very special Catwalk show, which will celebrate Contour Fashion’s 70th anniversary. Contour Fashion at DMU was established in 1947 by the British Corset Industry to support the rise of innovative and technical local designers. Over the last 70 years, thousands of our students have dared to be different and created stunning designs which have earned themselves prestigious positions within the industry. This brochure represents an opportunity for our students to showcase their work in an experience of a lifetime as their skills, creativity and innovation are revealed to some of the biggest names in the intimates and wider fashion industry, as well as journalists and bloggers from across the globe. Contour Fashion at DMU is the only course in the world dedicated to intimate apparel design, which combines heritage and innovation. Our course has been the driving force behind pioneering solutions in intimate apparel through advances in fabric technology, garment production and manufacturing methods. The course also benefits from strong relationships with influential industry partners, including the International Institute of Intimate Apparel, an advisory body that works to promote education, innovation, ecological and health issues and research for the future of the industry. As an acknowledged leader in creative education we work tirelessly to give our students a rich and rewarding experience. With our support, they realise their full potential and are fully prepared for the workplace. We engage with global fashion houses, retailers, manufacturers, suppliers, models and celebrities to inspire and support our students to meet the demands of industry and to realise their creative aspirations. By nurturing their talent and creativity we encourage our students not to just meet expectations, but to exceed them.
We produce outstanding graduates in aesthetic design innovation and technological excellence in the fields of lingerie, corsetry, nightwear, loungewear, menswear, sportswear and bodywear. We are proud to have educated key industry players for major international companies in New York, Sri Lanka, the Netherlands, Sweden, Australia, India, France, China, Spain and Taiwan. Our graduates are employed by Stretchline, Clover International Hong Kong, Heidi Klein, Coco de Mer, Curvy Kate, Edge O’ Beyond, H&M Sweden, Tesco, Gainway, Haddow, Calvin Klein, Tutti Rouge, New York, Ace Style, Bravissimo, Tommy Hilfiger Amsterdam, PD China and New Look. Others have established own brand labels such as Nichole de Carle, Lascivious, Tattoo, Made by Niki, Nicole Gill, Tutti Rouge, Reckless Wolf, By Elena, Biondi Couture, Betty Blue, Lorna Drew and Karolina Laskowska. Students this academic year have benefited from the new state-of-the-art Vijay Patel Building, the centerpiece of DMU’s £136 million campus transformation. This new art and design facility shows how serious we are about giving our students the very best experience and to provide them with the tools to achieve their aspirations. In the next academic year we also look forward to welcoming students to our newly launched Contour Fashion Communication BA (Hons) course. Enjoy the show.
Gillian Proctor M.Des. R.C.A Principal Lecturer and Subject Leader for Contour Fashion
Contour Fashion: Celebrating 70 Years of Design and Innovation GRADUATE FASHION WEEK: LINGERIE AND SWIMWEAR AWARD The 2016 Lingerie and Swimwear Award, sponsored by Boux Avenue was won by Betsan Evans, who now works with Calvin Klein in New York. Betsan also won the Gossard Black Label design competition. She said: “Studying Contour Fashion at DMU has been the best decision I have made in my life so far. It is amazing how it prepares you for industry. To look at the improvements I have made from the first year to now is incredible.”
standard, so choosing a winner was a real challenge! “However, we were so impressed by Betsan’s collection. Her innovative designs and use of unique fabrications were completely inspiring and demonstrated such talent.”
Alex Paphitis, CEO of Boux Avenue said: “We would like to congratulate all the graduates that showcased their work at Graduate Fashion Week, the ranges produced for the Lingerie and Swimwear Awards were of an exceptionally high
UNDERLINES MAGAZINE: EMERGING GRADUATES COLLECTION DMU graduates’ work was featured in the show edition of Underlines magazine at the Moda Lingerie and Swimwear Show at the NEC Birmingham. A selection of garments was also exhibited on the DMU stand during the event. The Contour team would like to thank the organisers for their support and enthusiasm during our association with the show.
HONG KONG INTERFILIERE Work by student Emily Bell was featured in trend directives for Interfiliere Hong Kong and the Concepts Paris trend stand.
RISING STAR AWARD: UK LINGERIE AWARDS Since graduating, Elissa Grainger has been recognised by the Prince’s Trust Young Enterprise programme and has established Elissa Poppy as a brand. After winning a place on DMU’s Crucible Project, she was spotted by the Prince’s Trust Young Enterprise programme. In January 2017 she was also voted the Rising Star in the UK Lingerie Awards by many of her 17,000 plus social media followers. Elissa said: “Contour Fashion has great links with industry and equips you with the skills employers are looking for. I got to work with lots of different brands and had the chance to make contact with industry experts in both professional and relaxed environments. “The course tutors really get behind you and help you make the most of your talent. They really instilled a strong sense of professionalism in us and made my time at DMU very worthwhile.”
ASOS FASHION DISCOVERY AWARD Elissa’s innovative latex garments celebrate the fetish history of latex with a feminine twist, and they have taken the fashion world by storm. Elissa went on to win the coveted ASOS Fashion Discovery Award, which included a £50,000 contribution towards her label.
SOLO EXHIBITION: THE SHOP FRONT GALLERY SPACE Elissa has become the first graduate to showcase a solo exhibition in the newly opened shop front gallery space which fronts the Vijay Patel Building. The exhibition forms part of the 70th anniversary celebrations for the course.
Elissa said: “I feel so privileged to be part of the 70th celebrations. It’s so nice to be able to give something back to a course that has given me so much. “It’s also a really cool way of being a part of the amazing Vijay Patel Building, which didn’t open until after I graduated from DMU.”
DESERT STORM FILM Work from four Contour Fashion students was featured recently in an editorial shoot in the red dunes in Dubai, with filmmaker and photographer Michael Illori. Featured garments were designed by: Hannah Durling, Lucy Watkins, Ellie Gough and Georgia Phillips.
TRIUMPH DESIGN COMPETITION A design competition with German giant Triumph International involved a brief to reinvent the application of flora and fauna from a fashion perspective and to transform concepts of lace. At the event, Sian Thomas, Global Head of Creative Design at Triumph International, said: “These are my favourite kind of days – getting out of the office and discovering new talent. It’s been very inspiring and I’m impressed with the range of designs the finalists presented and by the variety of skills they displayed.
Ffion Piper
Abi Osborne
“I’m always looking for people who are willing to push the boundaries and I feel I’ve found that at DMU.”
Sian thought my design could appeal to the wider Triumph client-base.”
DMU students Ffion Piper and Abi Osborne won the fashion category, and Beatrice Russell and Catherine Lovick were selected for the innovation category. Following praise for the sophistication, colour balance and proportions of her lasercut suedette design, Ffion said: “I really wasn’t expecting my name to be called out, but it felt amazing. Especially knowing that
Catherine Lovick
CAD work: Mollie Blue, employed on a freelance basis for Triumph
Beatrice Russell
PROJECT NUMBER 9: This project captures the journey of our students on the technical pathway. The short documentary piece will be showcased at the catwalk show.
“In order to create products all students will engage in the process of research, pattern cutting, garment development and fitting. In an age when technology is perceived to be the driver of garment manufacture, the craft of pattern cutting and garment making reminds us of the integral human aspect of producing clothes. “In order to perfect a garment for fit, finish and finesse a cycle of product development will be repeated many times. This cycle includes making a design intention; creating the pattern, selecting the appropriate
NEW YORK: ALUMNI EVENT The 70th anniversary of the Contour Fashion course, was launched with an Alumni drinks event in New York, showcasing a film produced by Short Form about the course, the 2016 Catwalk show, and a variety of exhibits from the university archives. Also featured were examples of contemporary student work.
materials, engineering the construction method, producing the garment and applying the toile to the body. “Once the fit review has been analysed, issues will be highlighted, possible solutions will be applied and then the cycle will begin again. Our students are able to extend their design skills to deal with a range of technologies, such as fabric printing, fabric pleating, laser cutting and material modelling.” Helen Skinner, Technical Tutor at DMU
70 Y ears of C ontour T imeline
2010 The Contour Fashion course holds its first London catwalk show.
1980 Student enrolment increased to 20 students per year.
1947 The course was started by Fred Burley, President of the Corset Guild of Great Britain and founder of Berlei. It was initially a one-year course resulting in a Diploma in Corsetry Design and was called Foundation Wear. In the original cohort there were five students, with four females and one male.
1960 The student intake increased to 12 and the course changed its name to Contour Fashion and covered lingerie, swimwear and leisurewear design to include evolving fashion trends. The course spanned three years and converted into a BA (Hons).
1997 Student intake increased to 25 students per year with the course offering modules in bodywear, swimwear, dancewear, lingerie, structured underwear, sportswear and leisurewear. The degree continued to be unrivalled as DMU remained the only university in the UK to offer this type of course.
2016
2013 Contour Fashion Principal Lecturer and Subject Leader Gillian Proctor receives a Lifetime Achievement award at the UK Lingerie Awards and the course moves from the Fletcher Building to Heritage House.
2012 The course wins the prestigious Triumph Inspiration Award and a technical route is introduced to the final year. DMU is also chosen as the first stop of the Queen’s UK tour to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee; she was joined by the Duchess of Cambridge. Our students hosted a catwalk show for the Queen and Duchess during their visit.
The Contour Fashion department is relocated to new facilities within the Design Wing, in the Vijay Patel Building. Student enrolment is up to 75 students per year.
2014 Final year Contour Fashion students show their collections at Graduate Fashion Week. The course is showcased on an international stage at the GREAT Festival of Creativity in Brazil, China and Turkey.
2017 Contour Fashion and Communication BA (Hons) is introduced to meet the changing requirements in industry. Subject Leader Gillian Proctor is one of 10 listed in Lingerie Insight magazine’s The Power List 2017: Industry Influencers.
Ellie Beaumont Aesthetic route Inspiration: The philosophy of lace and tailoring aesthetics Luxury lingerie and loungewear Competitions: Finalist for external client project for Triumph, work featured in Underlines magazine Placements: Ace Style Intimate Apparel, Lascivious, The Lingerie Edit Sponsors: Solstiss Lace T: 07800 666424 E: elliebeaumont@live.co.uk
Ellen Gunn Aesthetic route Inspiration: Transformers, mechanical features and silhouette, combined with graffiti artist SNUB23. The amalgamation of feminine and masculine features are shown later in the collection Placements: RubyMoon ethical swimwear, Dee McKenzie bridal wear, Lorna Drew mastectomy wear T: 07730 393831 E: ellenvictoriagunn@outlook.com Instagram: Ellen Victoria Gunn
Ruby Conroy Technical route Inspiration: Juxtaposition of King Ludwig II of Bavaria’s life and castles Trend-led collection for nursing wear Placement: Valkyrie Corsets T: 07504 103548 E: conroy.ruby@gmail.com
Katy Clegg Aesthetic route Inspiration: Thistles Commercial lingerie Placement: Fenwick T: 07858 269939 E: katyclegg@live.co.uk
Rachael Creelman Aesthetic route Inspiration: Motorbikes, armour, metal hardware and apocalyptic landscapes Fashion-forward fetish inspired lingerie and outerwear pieces Placement: Kiss Me Deadly T: 07518 335198 E: rachael43@hotmail.co.uk
Jade Roe Aesthetic route Inspiration: Natural shapes using man-made forms, represented by futuristic Japanese interiors and styling Athleisure and outerwear pieces Competitions: Shortlisted for the WGSN trend prediction competition Placements: Sparklewren corsetry, Fleur of England and Clover Group International Ltd (Hong Kong) T: 07740 008699 E: jtroe@live.co.uk
Abigail Osborne Technical route Inspiration: Botanical gardens Fuller bust lingerie aimed at high street level Competitions: Triumph fashion category winner. Selected for photoshoot with Underlines magazine. Shortlisted for WGSN trend prediction project Placements: BOO’s Textile Elastics, Tutti Rouge, LACE Lingerie and Speedo International T: 07739 875156 E: abi_osborne@hotmail.co.uk
Megan Briggs Aesthetic route Inspiration: New York architecture with focus on the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum Après-ski resort swimwear Competitions: Shortlisted for Triumph design competition Achievements: Work featured in Underlines magazine Placements: Godfrey Sport, The National Youth Ballet of Great Britain and Seafolly (G&T agency) T: 07841 902862 E: meg.briggs@outlook.com
Lauren Smith Aesthetic route Inspiration: Ten Pin Lanes bowling alley, Florida 1950s inspired fashion-forward lingerie Competitions: WGSN trend prediction competition winner Placements: WGSN, full-time bra fitter at Barkers T: 07527 294425 E: laurenalyssasmith@hotmail.com
Laura Williams Aesthetic route Inspiration: Urbanisation; natural forms mixed with harsh man-made structures Transitional athleisure T: 07468 467668 E: lauramaywilliams95@hotmail.co.uk
Paige Stevens Aesthetic route Inspiration: The contrast between hard structures and soft materials pieced together Fashion-forward lingerie and outerwear pieces Awards: Roadley Award Placements: Bottle Blonde Clothing and Elsie & Fred T: 07757 863862 E: paigestevens88@hotmail.co.uk
Lucy Watkins Aesthetic route Inspiration: Detailing within Roman architecture Luxury swimwear Competitions: Finalist for WGSN trend prediction project Achievements: Published in Underlines magazine Placements: Seafolly, Tutti Rouge and Catriona Stewart Clothing T: 07526 401289 E: luceewatkins@hotmail.co.uk
Róisín Reuss Aesthetic route Inspiration: Woodland structures and the veiled lady fungus Alpine resort wear Competitions: Finalist for Triumph design and innovation project, selected for photoshoot with Underlines magazine and third place in the Lepel trend prediction project Placements: Edge O’ Beyond, Seafolly (G&T agency), Graduate Fashion Week, Haarlem Bridal and Timeless Couture T: 07812 501207 E: roisin.reuss@hotmail.com
Rianna Dawson Technical route Inspiration: A look to the heavens Plus size lingerie with a focus on smaller underband sizes and larger cup sizes Placements: IA Technical and Gyunel Couture T: 07506 153940 E: riannad16@gmail.comÂ
Emily Bell Aesthetic route Inspiration: Silhouettes from Victorian shape wear and costume Luxury swimwear and outer pieces that compliment the body Competitions: Finalist for WGSN trend prediction project Achievements: Work displayed at Hong Kong Interfiliere trend forum and new design era show Placements: LF Intimates, Alice Fayle Design, Windsor and Wales T: 07734 309100 E: emilyjanebelldesigns@gmail.com
Charley Chiddle Technical route Inspiration: Ancient Cambodian architecture and traditional Apsara dance Engineered 3D printed luxury lingerie Competitions: Roadley Award for innovation. finalist for Triumph International design project Achievements: Published in Underlines magazine and website Placements: Coco de Mer, Fleur of England and Loveday London T: 07713 876983 E: charleyc95@outlook.com
Georgia Phillips Aesthetic route Inspiration: The architectural structures, intricate stonework and ceramic tiled roofs of the Hospital de Sant Pau, Barcelona A collection of innovative lingerie styles merged with outerwear influences Competitions: Awarded second place in the WGSN consolidation project for a CAD trend package. Selected for Underlines magazine photoshoot as well as having the opportunity to present in front of the head designer of Triumph International Placements: Fleur of England, Bordelle and Mimi Holliday T: 07502 462859 E: gbphillips94@gmail.com
Isobel Dibrowa Technical route Inspiration: Super hero silhouettes and costume design Shapewear developed for partywear Placement: Little women T: 07738 462703 E: isobeldibrowa@gmail.com
Daisy Brazier Aesthetic route Inspiration: Japanese symbolism of aniÂmals and elements Fashion-forward nightwear and lingerie pieces Placement: Tutti Rouge T: 07502 284435 E: daisybrazier@hotmail.co.uk
Ellie Gough Aesthetic route Inspiration: St Patrick’s Cathedral, New York Luxury bridal boudoir lingerie Competitions: Finalist for Triumph International competition, selected to exhibit at Moda 2017, featured in both Underlines and Lingerie Insight magazines, chosen for photoshoot opportunity in Dubai Placements: Fleur Of England, Seafolly Australia, TLC Sport and Samuel Tailors T: 07943 344292 E: ellygough@gmail.com
Georgina Craig Aesthetic route Inspiration: Catholic church interiors, religious symbols and art Placements: Sainsbury’s, Rigby and Peller and Annabella Lingerie T: 07872 305212 E: georginacraig@hotmail.co.uk
Jessica Bradley-Smith Aesthetic route Inspiration: Organic decay and fabric manipulation Fashion-focused latex clothing and lingerie Placement: Sparkle Wren Corsetry T: 07786 015034 E: jessiemaedaay@gmail.com
Posie Upshall Aesthetic route Inspiration: Seedpods and biomimicry Sustainable, fashion-forward lingerie Competitions: Finalist for WGSN trend prediction project and finalist for Triumph design competition, resulting in selection for photoshoot with Underlines magazine Achievements: Awarded the Roadley Award for innovation Placements: Bottle Blonde Clothing and Elsie & Fred T: 07725 857673 E: posieupshall@hotmail.co.uk
Jessica Drabble Aesthetic route Inspiration: An exploration of the steel industry and the women who kept it alive Fashion-forward, athleisure wear inspired lingerie and outerwear Competitions: Shortlisted for the WGSN trend prediction project Placement: Something Wicked T: 07889 566438 E: jessiedrabble@hotmail.co.uk
Zoe Booth Technical route Inspiration: Retro interiors Performance cycling apparel with research into developments of padding for comfort Placement: Lorna Drew Maternity T: 07921 269124 E: zoebooth95@live.co.uk
Sarah Bowie Aesthetic route Inspiration: Kintsugi, Japanese art of repairing with gold High-end luxury sleep and loungewear, transformable comfortable luxury to outerwear/partywear Placements: The Whitechapel Workhouse, Marks & Spencer T: 07941 344552 E: sarah20045@hotmail.co.uk
Emily Clayton Aesthetic route Inspiration: Tudor Cloth of Gold Luxury lingerie Placement: Tutti Rouge T: 07961 203388 E: em_clayton76@hotmail.co.uk
Millie Fullalove Technical route Inspiration: Abstract and geometric graffiti in Shoreditch and New York with a colour scheme inspired by art deco architecture in Miami Petite street wear styles inspired by 80s and 90s hip hop culture Placements: ACE style, Lepel and Just Hype T: 07837 854338 E: millie.fullalove93@gmail.com
Heather McCarter Aesthetic route Inspiration: Snowy landscapes and frosty natural forms Luxury couture lingerie Competitions: Triumph design competition finalist, garments featured in Underlines magazine, WGSN trend forecast competition finalist Placement: Bravissimo T: 07428 098598 E: heathermccarter95@gmail.com
Catherine Lovick Technical route Inspiration: Experimental use of thermochromic ink within performance yoga-wear to monitor muscle temperature and activity levels during exercise Competitions: Winner of a Triumph design award, published in Underlines magazine, finalist for WGSN trend prediction project Placements: Speedo and Caroline Castigliano Couture T: 07961 699338 E: catherine.lovick@gmail.com
Bethan Lewis Aesthetic route Inspiration: The growing of plants in outer space Fashion-forward luxury lingerie and editorial pieces using AirSac technology Placements: Karolina Laskowska and Kiss Me Deadly T: 07725 805815 E: bethanka@outlook.com
Charlotte Back Aesthetic route Inspiration: Nature and insects Fashion-forward lingerie and outerwear pieces Placement: Tutti Rouge T: 07932 032413 E: charlotteback92@gmail.com
Emily Burgess Aesthetic route Inspiration: Old English country sports, game keeping, fox hunting and woodland Placements: Ink Fashion, London Fashion Week and Fleur of England T: 07500 790648 E: emily_rose95@hotmail.co.uk
Cassandra Blowen Aesthetic route Inspiration: The bejewelled catacomb saints of Germany Boudoir lingerie Competitions: Triumph International design competition finalist, third place in the Cabinet of Curiosities, WGSN trend prediction finalist, the Rita Rydin award for studentship and the Roadley award for innovation Placements: Kiss Me Deadly, Tutti Rouge, George at ASDA, BOOS Textile Elastics and Sparklewren Corsetry T: 07947 212140 E: cassy_blowen@hotmail.co.uk
Michelle Bacon Aesthetic route Inspiration: The light patterns of Heinz Mack and a New York jazz bar Trend-driven lingerie and outerwear with show corsets Competitions: Technical commendation for Cabinet of Curiosities creative design project Placements: Fashion Revolution, Sparklewren, The Whitechapel Workhouse and Tutti Rouge T: 07890 719961 E: michelleb.35@virginmedia.com
Tamzin Grigg Aesthetic route Inspiration: Traditional dolls house and antique porcelain dolls Luxury lingerie and corsetry Competitions: Shortlisted for Triumph external client project, featured in Underlines magazine Placement: Tallulah Love Luxury Lingerie T: 07914 146844 E: tamzin22@hotmail.co.uk
Elissa Mancuso Aesthetic route Inspiration: Blown glass chandeliers High street loungewear collection Competitions: Finalist in the WGSN trend prediction package competition, selected for Underlines magazine and a finalist for external project for Triumph Placements: Florence and Fred HQ and BBC costume department T: 07921 805322 E: elissa_12@hotmail.co.uk
Abigail Mellor Aesthetic route Inspiration: Traditional Japanese temples and shrines Luxury loungewear and lingerie Competitions: Triumph competition finalist, selected to be in a photoshoot and featured in Underlines magazine. Special recognition for being commercially viable by an industry panel Placement: Sparklewren Corsetry T: 07429 573376 E: abigailmellor@live.co.uk
Ali Lee Aesthetic route Inspiration: Valencian matadors High end lingerie and outerwear collection. The collection is in collaboration with Rosie James, an embroidery artist Competitions: Finalist for Triumph International 2017, with work featuring in both Underlines and Lingerie Insight magazines and selected to exhibit at MODA 2017 Placements: Fleur of England and Laura Rattray Design Solutions T: 07990 951203 E: alilee@live.co.uk
Tanita Notay Aesthetic route Inspiration: Life beneath water and the structure of fish Vivid corsetry combined with some lingerie pieces Competitions: West Yorkshire Playhouse costume hire T: 07762 822024 E: tanitajane@outlook.com
Izabel Mycock Aesthetic route Inspiration: The architecture of Zurich, Switzerland Sports-inspired lingerie T: 07969 229470 E: izabel94@hotmail.co.uk
Sophie Hughes Aesthetic route Inspiration: Form flattering swimwear influenced by South East Asian lanterns and their structure Luxury swimwear pieces Competitions: Commercial Saleability Award, Cabinet of Curiosities project Placements: Underlines magazine, Paolita and Heidi Klein T: 07783 763166 E: sophie.hughes@blueyonder.co.uk
Alice Haspel Aesthetic route Inspiration: Dandelions Fashion-forward lingerie and outerwear pieces Placements: Lepel and Christian Marcus Direct T: 07528 000187 E: alice.3@live.co.uk
Tara O’Donovan Aesthetic route Inspiration: The unconventional beauty of construction sites with a 70s style influence Luxury lingerie with outerwear pieces Placements: Lascivious, Ace Style Intimates and Debenhams T: 07889 907225 E: taraodonovan7@hotmail.co.uk
Ffion Piper Technical route Inspiration: Contrasting skintones Shapewear and lingerie Competitions: Winner of Cabinet of Curiosities 2016, winner of the Triumph external client project Achievements: Published in Underlines magazine and website and The University Paper London Placements: Sparklewren, Tutti Rouge and The Clothing Alterations Company T: 07762 334138 E: ffion.e.piper@gmail.com
Beatrice Russell Technical route Inspiration: Pearls and sea shells Trend focused, supportive, plus fit soft lingerie Competitions: Winner of the technical route for Triumph. Selected for a photoshoot that was published in Underlines magazine and on Lingerie Insight Placements: Fleur of England, Catriona Stewart Latex and David Morris IA Technical T: 07577 457617 E: beatricelrussell@icloud.com
Tegan-Bliss Wright Aesthetic route Inspiration: 1950s femme fetale and film noir T: 07857 106899 E: teganwright95@hotmail.co.uk
Levi Scott Aesthetic route Punk music and fashion, traditional and new, based on experience on the punk scene Lingerie and corsetry T: 07702 216319 E: leviscott95@gmail.com
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Nina Lawrence Aesthetic route Inspiration: Modern New York architecture with an alternative edge Fashion-forward lingerie Competitions: Short listed for WGSN trend report Placement: Rosie Red Corsetry & Couture T: 07950 812602 E: nina.lawrence@hotmail.com
Daisy Ready-McClure Aesthetic route Inspiration: The Batesia hypochlora butterfly Lingerie and outerwear pieces Placement: Harlow & Fox T: 07813 457265 E: daisyjayne18@hotmail.com
Sophie Welborn Aesthetic route Inspiration: The architecture and interior of The Burj Al Arab - the world’s only 7* hotel Luxury athleisure collection Competitions: Finalist for external client project for Triumph Placements: Atelier Bordelle and F Ciment Pleating T: 07825 772001 E: sophiewelborn@icloud.com
Alanah Wilson Technical route Inspiration: Angkor Wat, Cambodia Fully functional sportswear collection for cardio activity with chemically enhanced fabric to prevent discolouration Competitions: Winner of the Roadley Award for innovative fabric, high flyers award with #DMUglobal, shortlisted for Triumph International external client brief project Achievements: Published on Underlines magazine website and featured in the brochure, exhibited at Moda, and student representative for Contour Fashion Placement: Tu Clothing, Sainsbury’s Sponsors: Monarch Knitting, Henri Lloyd and Fashion Fabrics T: 07848 829929 E: alanah.k.wilson@hotmail.co.uk
Mollie Blue Aesthetic route Inspiration: Historic mourning dress and the elegance of skeletal forms Fetishistic boudoir lingerie and couture corsetry Competitions: First for WGSN trend prediction, shortlisted for Triumph International with special recognition for CAD design and featured in Underlines magazine Placements: Clover International Hong Kong, WGSN and Sparklewren T: 07443 940756 E: mollie.blue@hotmail.com W: mollieblue.com
Hannah Durling Aesthetic route Inspiration: Modern architecture and structural forms Luxury lingerie and loungewear Competitions: Finalist for the Triumph International project with work featured in Underlines magazine and second place prize winner in the Cabinet of Curiosities project Placements: Gilda & Pearl and Ciment Pleating Sponsors: Solstiss Lace T: 07706 858367 E: hannahkd@live.co.uk
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11/05/2017 14:30
FASHION AND TEXTILES MA
The Fashion and Textiles MA at DMU is a research-inspired, practice-based and design-led adventure for experienced fashion, intimate apparel, footwear, accessories and textile creatives. • Based in DMU’s renowned School of Design, you will learn from an expert teaching team, active in their own fields and maintaining links with current designers and industry, ensuring they teach real-world, relevant skills. • We provide a stimulating environment for highly motivated, dedicated and innovative graduates from fashion and textile design disciplines to take their development to the next level of creative innovation. • There is a close-knit community of postgraduate students and staff which creates a supportive learning environment for students from around the world. • This course is based in the new Vijay Patel Building, the stunning home for all our art and design subjects. There is a dedicated Postgraduate Centre within the POD that is part of the Design Wing. For further information about the course contact: Arts, Design and Humanities T: +44 (0) 116 2 50 60 70 E: enquiry@dmu.ac.uk W: dmu.ac.uk/maft Connect with us: dmu.ac.uk/socialmedia
Industry Comments “It is our opinion that the DMU Contour Fashion course is the best in the world for intimate apparel technical design. The university is ideally geographically situated to service intimate apparel retailers and garment manufacturers in both terms of access to the leading design cities of Milan, Paris, Barcelona and London, and good communication timeline for Asia and the USA. A proof of the course’s success is in the number of graduating student securing employment within leading brands, retailers and manufacturers over the past 70 years. Stretchline are very proud to be sponsors – here’s to another successful 70 years.” Norman Collier, CEO Stretchline and president of the Intimate Apparel Institute at DMU “DMU Contour - shaping tomorrow today. Celebrating 70 years of remarkable achievement on a global stage.” Pamela Scott, Managing Editor, Underlines Magazine and The Swimwear Yearbook “It is so exciting and refreshing to see a course empowering students to leave with a specialist skill-set. Giving them the opportunity to feel focused, and confident, when taking their first steps into the reality that is the fashion industry.” Mark Fisher, Senior Womenswear Designer, ASOS “As a Contour Fashion alumnus, it is fantastic to see DMU continuing to support the lingerie industry world-wide with first class graduates. Happy 70th Anniversary!” Paschal Little, Head of Technical at M&S “The course will continue to offer a consistent flow of young creative, intimate apparel, design talent. Connected to and supported by our global industry.” Mandy Ferrand, Consultant and member of the Intimate Apparel Institute “It is exciting that DMU is adding a Contour Fashion Communication course that educates students to look outside the box, make them understand that longings have shapes but also connections to the outside world and that to succeed they need to learn a language to communicate.” Jos Berry, Director, Concepts Paris “We have had the opportunity to develop a strong relationship with DMU, and we work together to provide students with the skills lingerie companies are looking for. The talented team at DMU has created a course that brings together the best of traditional savoir-faire with the latest in advanced technology, producing respected industry professionals.” Anne-Laure Frizon, Education Program Manager, Lectra, Paris
“The work that Gillian and the team are doing should be the template for more courses. It’s this unique blend of nurturing creativity whilst preparing students for industry that has brought Contour Fashion so many accolades and attention on their journey to this landmark occasion.” Julian Fuller, Head of Menswear at Debenhams “The DMU Contour Fashion course trains, nurtures and encourages the next generation of British and international lingerie concept, innovation, design, manufacture, press and retail. It is unique in the UK as the course and its course leader are effectively at the heart of the lingerie, swimwear and beachwear industry – fully integrated with it at every level. As such it is the model for how our universities should be hotwired into British industry.” Paul Alger, Director, UKTI “The new Contour Fashion Communication course will provide students with the vital skills they need to prepare them for the working world. When it comes to seeking new talent, the requirements of industry employees are changing, with the rise in social media and marketing, and this exciting new course will meet those requirements.” Sarah Clarke, Editor, Lingerie Insight Magazine “It is such a privilege to meet the talented young students who graduate from DMU each year. They are the reason that we have such a strong lingerie industry in UK, an industry which will only continue to prosper with DMU’s continued support and passion. Each year I work with brilliant interns and designers who have been taught their creative, technical and business skills on the Contour Fashion course. Long may it continue!” Lucy Litwack, CEO, Coco de Mer “DMU has had 70 years of excellence within the contour industry, always with an eye to the future: they ensure tomorrow’s lingerie stars have the best training and support to reach and conquer the global market.” David Finlayson, Director, APM Agency “The Contour Fashion course continues to be an important part of our heritage ensuring that key skills are passed on and not lost. I, and many of the design team here, have graduated from De Montfort University with a Contour Fashion degree. Widely recognised as being the best course in the UK it is my ‘go to’ course to look for new design talent.” Jo West, Design and Development Director, Wacoal UK
Thank You In this very special 70th anniversary year, the Contour Fashion (BA) Hons graduates would like to thank the teaching staff and technical team for their unrelenting dedication, support and encouragement. A big ‘thank you’ also goes to our sponsors for their unfailing support and generosity to the course, and for nurturing the future of this industry: Debenhams, Stretchline, LF Intimates, Next, UKFT, Boux Avenue, Clover, Invista, Triumph, Ace Style, Curvy Kate, Underlines magazine, Crystal Martin HK, Wacoal Europe, Figleaves, Coco de Mer, Shadowline, F&F, APM, Tommy Hilfiger, Bordelle, Contour Specialist Fabrics, Sue & Malcolm Vagg, Concepts Paris and Tutti Rouge. Additional thanks go to: Underlines magazine, Lingerie Insight magazine, Richard Jewitt, Freemasons’ Hall, Eurovet, Sew Systems, Lectra, Solstiss, Sean Goldthorpe, Miles Cain, Henri Lloyd, Femina Lace, Monarch Knitting, SDC, Andy Shore, Simon Armstrong, Larry Skeen-Smith, Michael Ilori, Karuna Patel, Raj Chauhan, Kate Slovak Wilkes, Steven Peachey, Elizabeth Wheelband, Elissa Poppy, Mandy Ferrand, Rachel Webley (Speedo), Nick Turner (Sew Systems), Mark Pyne (Tutti Rouge), Monica Harrington, David Finlayson, Craig Spellar, Julian Fuller, Peter Cronin, Lucy Litwack, Claire O’Neill, Tianhai Lace, Barrie Stephen, Diljit Kaur, Sue Dean, Jadzia Garrett, Jo Earle, Kelly McRobie and the Intimate Apparels Institute. Brochure: Photography: Fabrice Lachant Hair: Barrie Stephen Make up: Katy Short Models: Lily Flynn (Boss), Sophie Thorpe (DNA models), Paryssa Wolf-Ceasar, Katie Jones and Joseph Nunn Catwalk: Show production: Smoking Gun Show producer: John Walford Photography: Simon Armstrong Hair: Tim Furssedonn Models: Nevs Models, Bookings Model Agency Finally, thanks to our family, friends, alumni and loved ones for their continued support throughout our years at De Montfort University. Here’s to the next 70 years!
Congratulations to the fabulous Class of 2017
Ace Style (UK) Design Studio for Eastside Holdings (HK)
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Arts, Design and Humanities De Montfort University The Gateway Leicester LE1 9BH T: (0116) 2 50 60 70 E: enquiry@dmu.ac.uk Gillian Proctor Principal Lecturer and Subject Leader for Contour Fashion T: (0116) 257 7396 E: gproctor@dmu.ac.uk
dmu.ac.uk/contour70