Sponsors’ and Finalists’ Reception EXETER LIVES Meet the local designer and lecturer who digs the vintage vibes

MICHELLE MOIN ZADEH Michelle runs her own business making and selling clothing. Here she chats sustainability, the beauty of historical fabric, and her fashion icons

Whereabouts do you live? I have lived in Whimple for over 20 years and I probably walk most days around the village and surrounding countryside. It is so pretty in every season that this beautiful village never fails to inspire me.

Where did you grow up? Although I was born in Exeter, I spent the first 10 years of my life in Iran. I have very fond memories of growing up in the south of the country, and my childhood was largely spent outdoors – playing and swimming with siblings and friends.

How did you get started in fashion? From an early age, I loved to draw and my love of drawing continues to this day. I obtained a degree in fashion design from Ravensbourne College of Art although I wasn’t able to sew or knit before starting my course! My degree course was wonderful and I was introduced to pattern cutting, tailoring, knitting and print-making. I loved every minute of the creative freedom and I have not stopped “making” to this day. I have learnt that making is essential to my wellbeing and it completely absorbs me.

Who were your fashion heroes? John Galliano and Helen Storey. Before Instagram and social media, I would spend a lot of money buying fashion magazines every month, just to see the beautiful Dior collections created by John Galliano and seeing some of his garments in the Dior exhibition in Paris and at the V&A last year was truly inspirational. I got to meet Helen Storey at the Met Office here in Exeter in 2013, when my students (I lecture part time in fashion design at

“I have learnt that making is essential to my wellbeing”

Exeter College and I have the most amazing students) got involved with Hackathons and The London Design Festival. I admire how she combines science, technology and sustainability with fashion and still creates beautiful garments. I always try to educate my students to design intelligently and move away from fast fashion and its long-term impact on our lives.

You started your own company Seam Haberdashery, making everything from vintage lace to baby knitwear – what’s the appeal? The idea of grandma making baby clothes and grandad making wooden knitting needles came from time spent with my parents. Both are retired and they often feel their skills are no longer relevant or worth anything. Making has given them both a purpose and a sense of wellbeing that I think is missing from our culture. The ethos of Seam Haberdashery has always been to offer an alternative to fast fashion and to make individuals think about lifelong learning and sharing of skills regardless of age or gender.

What made you want to start up the company? The inspiration came from my love of historical fabric and in particular, the tactile nature of fabric and trimmings.

Further inspiration came by teaching alongside a colleague who studied embroidery. Her love of history informed both mine and our students’ imaginations and so I started to collect and look back at the past to inspire all my work. Like a magpie, I collected and became obsessed with beautiful cloth, lace, yarns and trimmings.

You also offer textile workshops at the Pig Hotel nearby… I started to visit The Pig Hotel when my daughter was revising for her degree. We would often drive out and spend a few hours having lunch or just coffee and

biscuits. Sometimes I would take my knitting with me while she worked. We both found the rooms and gardens a calming atmosphere to relax in away from our everyday busy lives. My workshops take place in the beautiful Georgian kitchen, where we sit, chat and learn a skill. Theaim of the day is to learn a new skill in a relaxing, friendly and creative environment.

What do the next few months look like for you? I’m looking forward to spending time in my garden this spring and summer. I love hearing the church bells and simply sitting in the garden with family and friends. I try to grow flowers that attract birds and butterflies into the garden. I photograph my flowers throughout May and June for colour inspiration, and start to press petals or harvest lavender to make lavender bags and hand-made cards towards the middle of August. I am also looking forward to spending time by the sea – Branscombe being a favourite spot – when the summer eventually arrives. n For more: mm@seam.network; www.seam.network

01392 248 630

reception@exeterdentalcentre.co.uk 17 Castle Street, Exeter EX4 3PT