Contour
Contour Fashion at De Montfort University, the only course in the world dedicated to intimate apparel design, which combines heritage and innovation. Contour Fashion at De Montfort University (DMU), the only course dedicated to global intimate apparel design, which combines heritage and innovation. Throughout its 68-year history, Contour Fashion at DMU has consistently been the driving force behind innovative solutions in the wider arena of the intimate apparel industry via advances in fabric technology, garment production and manufacturing methodologies. The course engages with fashion houses, retailers, manufacturers, suppliers, models and music celebrities in a truly international arena, while inspiring students to develop industry-level skills and channel their talent into breath-taking work which realises their creative aspirations. It has produced outstanding graduates in aesthetic design innovation and technological excellence in the fields of lingerie, corsetry, nightwear, loungewear, menswear, sportswear and bodywear on a global scale. Contour Fashion has provided key industry players for major international companies in locations such as New York, Sri Lanka, The Netherlands, Sweden and Taiwan. Recent graduate destinations include Boux Avenue, ASOS, Clover International Ltd, Berketex Bride, Grace Loves Lace, DVS Fashion, MAS, Fleur of England, Misguided, Boohoo, H&M Sweden, George, Tesco, Gainway, Haddow, GAP New York, Panache and West End Clothing.
Others have established their own ground-breaking 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. The course benefits from strong relationships with influential industry partners including the International Institute of Intimate Apparel, an advisory body of senior people from all aspects of the intimates industry worldwide. They work to support and advise while promoting education, innovation, ecological and health issues and research for the future of the industry. We succeed in surpassing the expectations of the intimates industry and fulfilling the demands of the wider fashion industry by nurturing the most innovative graduates to realise their full potential in the contemporary fashion arena. We welcome you to celebrate the talented graduates of 2015.
C ontour
success
GREAT FESTIVAL OF CREATIVITY DMU was delighted to represent creative excellence in higher education within the UK Government’s GREAT Festivals of Creativity. Contour Fashion showcased the 2014 Catwalk Show and a supporting exhibition of student work at The British House in São Paulo as part of the World Cup festivities in Brazil.
We were delighted to take part in the Festival of Creativity in Shanghai where Contour Fashion students impressed onlookers with their stunning designs. HRH Prince William, The Duke of Cambridge, discussed drawing, print development and 3D bra construction demonstrations with recent graduates Emily Roberts and Emma Stubbs.
DMU stand in São Paulo
Drawing and print production
3D bra construction
DMU stand in Shanghai
AUBADE Luxury French brand Aubade, in conjunction with Lectra, challenged students to a design competition to give the brand more of a British twist, underpinned by Lectra Modaris pattern-cutting and grading technology. Ellie Balwako and Hannah Jones rose to the challenge and their stunning garments were showcased on the Aubade stand at Salon de la Lingerie, Paris.
Ella Young and Hannah Jones will take up a six-month placement with Aubade in Paris.
Ellie Balwako
Hannah Jones
Ella Young
Ella Young
Winners Ellie Balwako and Hannah Jones.
HAIL BRITANNIA Natasha Chung created exquisite ballet outfits for Murley Dance for its ‘Hail Britannia’ production at Leicester’s Curve theatre, in a neo-classical ballet by emerging choreographer, Richard Chappell, depicting the relationship between Thomas Beckett and Henry II. Before joining the Contour Fashion course, Natasha trained as a professional ballerina.
OLYMPIAN LOUISE HAZEL Natasha Chung also created a corset body for Olympian heptathlete Louise Hazel to launch her new 50 Shades of Grey inspired high-stamina fitness programme. Natasha said: “I hope this opportunity will help me establish myself as a designer”.
BERLEI
LEPEL SWIMWEAR
DMU worked with established brand Berlei on an Innovation Competition. The fantastic works created by our students resulted in Ellie Balwako winning for Innovation in Sport, Emily Storer winning for Sport Brand, and Nicole Wright and Sarah Hardstaff jointly winning for Brand Positioning Project.
The Lepel Swimwear Competition with LF Intimates was won by a sporty solution by Poppy Spinks. Thrilled by her achievement, Poppy said: “If you are not constantly trying to build your dream, other people who are building theirs will just run right past you”.
THE YOUNG DESIGNER AWARDS Christina Hallett-Young was awarded The Young Designer Award by The Fashion Design and Craft Makers (FDC). Christina said her tutors are ‘like family now’ after going out of their way to help her succeed.
THE LEATHERSELLERS AWARD The Leathersellers Award for innovative use of leather in fashion garments was won by Sammy Jo Witton for her eye-catching designs.
THE UK LINGERIE AWARDS The UK Lingerie Awards at Freemasons’ Hall in London, judged recent graduate corsetiere Karolina Laskowska as New Designer of the Year. Karolina, who has already created collections of her own, runs her own brand in London.
US GRAMMY AWARDS Alumna Nicole de Carle dressed Beyoncé in a boned bodysuit for her performance at the US Grammy Awards. Nicole said: “Beyoncé looked so beautiful - she is a perfect match for our brand”.
MODA COMPETITION Work from 18 DMU students was selected and photographed for the Moda show and featured in Underlines magazine, which described the students as ‘the design talent of the future’.
MATERNITY BRAND OF THE YEAR Gifted alumna Lorna Drew won Maternity Brand of the Year for the second year running. Lorna now runs her own stylish Nursing Lingerie brand.
OSCAR AWARDS The skills and dedication of Contour Fashion staff were recognised at the staff DMU Oscar Awards. Rachel Toner and Helen Skinner won for Distinguished Teaching, Technical Instructor Diljit Kaur won the Unsung Hero Award and Subject Leader Gillian Proctor won the Vice-Chancellor’s Award.
Elissa grainger Aesthetic Route Inspiration: British punk culture and 1960s Pop Art. Engineered latex and lace under/outerwear collection. Sponsors: Stretchline UK. Placements: Kim West and House of Harlot. T: 07958 001693 E: elissapoppy@gmail.com
Isla gilbertson Aesthetic Route Inspiration: Mad Max and rams heads. Under/outerwear collection. Competitions: Highly commended award – Cabinet of Curiosities. Selected for the Sophie Hallette Lace Competition. Placements: Tatu Couture, Milano Pro Sport. T: 07593 129986 E: islagilbertson.contour@gmail.com
Caitlin arthur Aesthetic Route Inspiration: Natural decay and organic forms. Luxury lingerie/loungewear collection. Placements: Fleur of England and Petworth House Costume Department. T: 07565 353928 E: caitlinarthur@hotmail.co.uk
Harriet cronin Aesthetic Route Inspiration: Bruges architecture, 1920s and1930s fashion. Feminine boudoir lingerie/loungewear collection. Selected for the Sophie Hallette Lace Competition. Placements: Lepel, Aura, Marks and Spencer, John Lewis and Panache. T: 07850 081898 E: harrietjcronin@gmail.com
Caroline morris Aesthetic Route Inspiration: James Bond cars and girls. Competitions: 3rd place Stretchline Stay4Sure. Placements: Debenhams, Seafolly and Biondi Couture. T: 07568 137911 E: caroline.jill.morris@gmail.com
Poppy spinks Aesthetic Route Inspiration: Italian and French formal gardens. Ath-leisure sports inspired collection. Competitions: Stretchline 3rd place, Lepel 1st place and Courtaulds Prize Winner. Placements: Seafolly, Biondi Couture and LF Intimates. T: 07976 396161 E: poppyspinks@hotmail.com
Claudia coito Aesthetic Route Inspiration: Peruvian textiles and Inca artefacts. Swim and beachwear collection. Placement: Lascivious. T: 07880 437780 E: claudiac8@hotmail.co.uk
Laura taylor Aesthetic Route Inspiration: Kenya. Sport-inspired swimwear collection. Competitions: Finalist in the Etsy Competition. Placements: Seafolly in Sydney, Pendulum Apparell and Fantasie Lingerie. T: 07720 562783 E: laura.taylor93@hotmail.co.uk
Charlotte hall Aesthetic Route Inspiration: Spanish heritage and culture. Under/outerwear collection. T: 07891 469466 E: charlotteECHall@gmail.com
Theresa mccudden Aesthetic Route Inspiration: “Ming: 50 years that changed China�. Swimwear/resortwear collection. Placements: Harrogate Bridal Show, Biondi Couture, Sprite Productions and Seafolly. T: 07901 997703 E: theresamccudden@hotmail.co.uk
Ella young Technical Route Inspiration: Warwick Castle. Maternity/nursing lingerie collection with elements of loungewear. Placements: Sainsbury’s and Bravissimo. T: 07535 445360 E: ellagrace94@hotmail.com
Sam thorburn Technical Route Inspiration: Exotic reptile skins. DD+ latex lingerie collection. Placements: Phoenix Designs, Eveden, Sparklewren and Lascivious. T: 07981 325276 E: samanthathorburnlatex@gmail.com
Mary littlejohn Aesthetic Route Inspiration: Tibetan architecture. Placement: Fleur of England. T: 07800 929037 E: marylittlejohn@hotmail.co.uk
Emily storer Technical Route Inpiration: Classic and contemporary racing cars. Competitions: Winner of the Berlei Sportswear with Support Project. Winner of Courtaulds Innovation Design Project. Highly commended for print and design by Lepel. Placements: MAS Intimates, George, Cherry Body Fashions and Honey Bee Corsets. T: 07855 495423 E: lilylouise@msn.com
Alice neves Aesthetic Route Inspiration: Taxidermy. Competitions: 2nd place Lepel Swimwear. Placements: LF Intimates, Fleur of England and David Nieper. T: 07816 178019 E: aliceneves@me.com
Charlotte gilman Aesthetic Route Inspiration: dragonfly wings. Lingerie collection. T: 07531 922112 E: charlottegilman94@gmail.com
Amelia lohan Technical Route Inspiration: Fox hunting and related tailoring addressing posture correction for the lower back. Competitions: Winner of Courtaulds Design Competition. Placements: M&Co and Thomas Pink. T: 07508 437561 E: amelia.lohan@hotmail.co.uk
Beth lissaman Aesthetic Route Inspiration: 18th century men’s jackets. Luxury lingerie collection. Competitions: Selected for Sophie Hallette Lace Competition. Placements: Crystal Martin International in Hong Kong and Fleur of England. T: 07896 823023 E: bethliss@live.co.uk
Natasha chung Aesthetic Route Inspiration: Traditional and contemporary Chinese dress and culture. Under/outerwear collection with leather accessories. Placements: Clover International Ltd Hong Kong, Cope and Vale, Yes Master, Darmaris, Selfridges and National Youth Ballet of Great Britain. T: 07944 131307 E: natashameilingchung@gmail.com
Ella chisholm Aesthetic Route Inspiration: 1950s, movie icons. Under/outerwear collection. Placements: Seafolly, Australia. T: 07805 112304 E: ella@chisholm.ch
Kimberly hamilton Technical Route Inspiration: WWII code-breaking technology at Bletchley Park. Lingerie for the fuller figure with G+ cups. Competitions: 3rd place H&M Technical Project, 3rd place Cabinet of Curiosities. Placements: Bravissimo, IA Technical Magazine and Catriona Stewart Clothing. T: 07714 900853 001 780 875 3772 (Canada) E: kimtimates@yahoo.ca
Cindy eveleigh Aesthetic Route Inspiration: China and Chinese architecture. Under/outerwear collection. Placements: United Fashion Ltd. Qingdao, China and Clover International Ltd. Hong Kong. T: 07747 342499 E: cindymichelleeveleigh@gmail.com
Hannah jones Aesthetic Route Inspiration: Morocco. Sensual boudoir/bondage apparel. Competitions: Winner of the Aubade/Lectra Modaris Design Competition. Finalist in the Lepel Swimwear Design Competition. Placements: Coco de Mer and Playful Promises. T: 07749 807445 E: 1hannahjones@gmail.com
Melissa cook Aesthetic Route Inspirations: Marrakech and Istanbul. Resortwear capsule collection. Placement: Dirty Pretty Things. T: 07517 111566 E: melcook2012@gmail.com
Nicole wright Aesthetic Route Inspiration: The Crown Jewels, 1920s movies. Boudoir collection. Competitions: Berlei Lingerie Brand Positioning Project. Placements: London Fashion Week and Seafolly. T: 07920 554213 E: nicolewri@hotmail.co.uk
Billie o’brien Aesthetic Route Inspiration: 1950s and China tea cups. Underwear/outerwear collection. Placements: Clothing Management Technology Ltd. T: 07548 108074 E: billieobrien93@yahoo.co.uk
Sarah roberts Aesthetic Route Inspiration: Architectural details of Rome. Soft lingerie collection. Placements: Fantasie and Eveden. T: 07572 549609 E: roberts.sjay@gmail.com
Philippa joyce Aesthetic Route Inspiration: Japanese furniture. Lingerie and corsetry collection. Placement: Fleur of England. T: 07578 895616 E: joyce.philippa@gmail.com
Hannah farrugia sharpels Aesthetic Route 3D technologies of biological matter. Luxury under/outerwear collection. Competitions: Rita Rydin Award. Placements: Iris van Herpen, Ekaterina Kukhareva, Atelier Bordelle and Aura Lingerie. T: 07500 220650 E: hfarrugiasharples2@hotmail.co.uk
Grace north Aesthetic Route Inspiration: Ice and frost structures. Lingerie collection. Competition: 2nd place Stretchline Innovation Project. Placements: Next Plc and George. T: 07940 465507 E: gracejnorth@outlook.com
Stephanie raeburn Aesthetic Route Inspiration: Natural arctic formations. Lingerie collection for dominant women. Competitions: Winner of Stretchline Innovative Technical Design Project. Placements: Tallulah Love and Lascivious T: 07792 681755 E: steph_raeburn@hotmail.co.uk
Sarah hardstaff Aesthetic Route Inspiration: Angular forms of organic stag skulls. Corsetry collection. Competition: Winner of Berlei Lingerie Brand Positioning Project. Placement: Fleur of England. T: 07929 640545 E: sarahhardstaff@outlook.com
Catherine hogan Aesthetic Route Inspiration: Jellyfish. Swim/resortwear collection. Placements: Ted Baker London and Fleur of England, Bristol. T: 07947 559248 E: catherinerae1994@gmail.com
Rachel cunningham Aesthetic Route Inspiration: Classic motors and road markings. Activewear collection. Placement: Loveclothing.com. T: 07472 287090 E: rachelcunningham@email.com
Rachel weston Technical Route Inspiration: St Paul’s Cathedral. Post mastectomy collection. Placements: CDD London Studio and Deisys Bridal Store. T: 07808 293522 E: rachelweston@blueyonder.co.uk
Ellie balwako Aesthetic Route Inspiration: Skeletal systems and architecture. Luxury lingerie collection. Competitions: Winner of Berlei Sports Bra Innovation Prize. Winner of the Aubade/Lectra Design Competition. Placements: LF Intimates, Next Plc and Marks and Spencer. T: 07792 939524 E: ebalwako@gmail.com
Alison hunt Aesthetic Route Inspiration: Armoury and birds. Competitions: Runner-up in the Lepel Swimwear Competition. Placements: Crystal Martin International in China and Lepel. T: 07595 709956 E: alisonhuntlingerie@gmail.com
A WORLD OF YOUR OWN Find yourself in exquisite designs, gorgeous shapes and effortless support.
WACOAL.CO.UK
SERENITY. RANGE UP TO A DD CUP.
AURA
Proud to sponsor the DMU Contour Fashion Show
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CO N G R AT U L AT I O N S M&S congratulates De Montfort University students on their Lingerie Graduate show. We wish you all every success in your future careers.
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D N A N O I H FAS TILES MA TEX
The Fashion and Textiles MA provides a stimulating environment for the professional and individual development of highly motivated, dedicated and innovative graduates in fashion and textile design. •
Embrace the opportunity to study a practice-based, design led course across four unique pathways: Contour Fashion, Fashion Design, Footwear Design and Accessories, and Textile Design
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Benefit from the school’s long heritage, highly qualified staff and excellent facilities
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Gain an in-depth knowledge and understanding of your chosen pathway, enabling you to pursue a career in a range of areas such as design, product development, buying and freelance design
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Know that when you graduate you will be well placed to set up your own fashion label
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Study at a school that has a reputation for producing highly employable graduates who go on to work for national and multi-national companies such as Agent Provocateur, Abercrombie & Fitch, Tommy Hilfiger, Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, Next, Superdry and Kurt Geiger
For further information about the course please contact: Art, 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
T hank
you
The Contour Fashion BA (Hons) graduates would like to express their gratitude to the teaching staff and technical team for their unrelenting dedication and support, and for providing a stimulating environment in which we were encouraged to realise our creative aspirations and achieve our full potential. An enormous ‘Thank You’ to our sponsors for their unfailing support and generosity to the course and the show: Stretchline, LF Intimates, Boux Avenue, Courtaulds, ITE Exhibitions (Moda), Clover, Gossard/Berlei, Invista, Triumph, House of Lingerie, Ace Style, Curvy Kate, Underlines Magazine, Aura, Crystal Martin HK, Tutti Rouge, Wacoal Europe, Next, Invista, Figleaves, The Lingerie Edit, Concepts Paris, Sue & Malcolm Loder Vagg, Simon Tait, Coco de Mer, Contour Specialist Fabrics, Bankfield, M&S, Tesco, Nayomi. Additional thanks go to: Lingerie Insight Magazine, Fashion Bust, Simplex, Courtaulds, Eurovet, Lectra, Pacific Dunlop, Intimate Apparel Consultancy, Metric Products, DHJ. Weisters, Solstiss, Bradshaw & Bradshaw, Sophie Hallette. Yummy Gummy, Art Martin, Euromec, Liebart, Brooklyn Bow, Noyon, Tactex, Sean Goldthorpe, Miles Cain, Tim Travis, Mandy Ferrand, Monica Harrington, David Finlayson, Craig Spellar, Paul Alger, Peter Cronin, Dave Morris, Anneleise Pugh, Katy Short, Barrie Stephen, Lorna Drew, Kerry Williams, Diljit Kaur, Sue Dean, Gina Rushin, and Sarah Fisk. Brochure: Photography: Fabrice Lachant. Hair: Barrie Stephen. Make up: Katy Short. Models: Melissa Mae, Naomi Roberts, Kayleigh Hewitt from Boss, and Gregor Maclean and Claudia Coito. Catwalk: Show Producers: Smoking Gun. Photography: Simon Armstrong. Make up: West Thames College. Finally, to all our family, friends and loved ones for their continued support throughout our years at university. We look forward to using the skills and values gained at DMU to continue to excel as we take the next step in our careers. Congratulations to the fabulous Class of 2015.
Art, Design and Humanities De Montfort University The Gateway Leicester LE1 9BH T: (0116) 2 50 60 70 E: enquiry@dmu.ac.uk Gillian Proctor Subject Leader for Contour Fashion T: (0116) 257 7396 E: gproctor@dmu.ac.uk
dmu.ac.uk/contour