THE
COEXIST COLLECTION
INSPIRED BY GLOBAL CONNECTIVITY AND CROSS-CULTURAL INTEGRATION.
W
orking with artisan crafters from across the developing world, three London College of Fashion students have created an eco-friendly womenswear collection combining traditional craft methods with sustainably-led fashion design. The trio of students – designer Georgia Clark, printer Nelly Stewart and knitter Jacob Patterson – came together with craftspeople from the International Trade Centre’s artisan programs in Ethiopia, Peru and Kenya to cobuild a collection that expressed a global personality.
The COEXIST collection was born from this experimental and dialectical relationship between designer and maker that placed craftsmanship and collaboration firmly at the centre of its ethos. By utilising pre-loved and up-cycled fabrics; unconventional craft techniques; and low-impact organic materials; a collection was created to revolutionise the mainstream perspective of green fashion, through its progressive, eco-luxe appeal. With special thanks to London’s LMB Textile recycling centre, Mama Biashara and artisan sponsors ‘Paradise Fashion’ of Ethiopia and ‘Artisanias Sumac Peru’
GEORGIA CLARK DESIGNER AND PATTERN CUTTER BA (Hons) Fashion Design and Development Contact - georgia.clark@live.co.uk Social - @georgiaclarkldn “When building the concept for this project, it was important to me that I work collaboratively with others; to offer a platform for expression through craft with a communal goal that would benefit everyone involved. Forming a partnership with Nelly and Jacob allowed each of us to specialise in our particular field and achieve more together by bringing individual expertise and opinions forward for the greater good of the project. My main objective throughout the design process was to ensure that each expressive element of the collection worked alongside one another. Through in-depth research, careful consideration and open dialogue, textile samples underwent a meticulous process of selection and refinement that helped to build a seamless overall aesthetic.�
NELLY ROSE STEWART
PRINT AND ACCESSORIES DESIGNER
BA (Hons) Fashion Textiles Contact: nellyrocklondon@gmail.com Social: @nellyroselondon Blog: www.nellyrock.blogspot.co.uk “My role within the collection was print and surface designer and colour specialist. I combined strong graphic imagery in my prints which were inspired by craftwork and interpretive illustration. I used textured finishes to create a mix of exciting vibrant patterns; utilising sublimation printing where possible to reduce overall water consumption. Wherever possible recycled PET Polyester replaced the need for harmful synthetic material production. The accessories I designed included embossed leather chokers and metal charms which were handcrafted and made from recycled cans, aside from the headdress which was made from recycled wire, all of the materials for these pieces were from Nairobi, Kenya and made by local artisans as part of the ‘Mama Biashara’ charity program.”
JACOB PATTERSON KNIT TEXTILE DESIGNER
BA (Hons) Fashion Textiles Knitwear Contact - jacobgregorypatternson@hotmail.com Social - @jacob_knitter “My knit methodologies aim to modernise traditional craft methods, pushing boundaries by marrying hand knit and machine knit techniques together to create truly unique and fashion-forward garments. The design process took us to LMB textile recycling center where we sourced secondhand materials and jewellery that inspired sections of the knit design. Incorporating sustainable yarns such as bamboo and organic cotton where possible aligned the knitwear with the collection’s ethos as well as regular development meetings to ensure the aesthetic merged well with the other textile designers.”
THE
COEXIST COLLECTION
Feature & Content: Georgia Clark, Nelly Stewart & Jacob Patterson Photographer – Julia Roder, Juliaroder.com Hair – Dominique Laird for Golden Tarts Make Up – Liza Mayne & Nicola McGeorge Models – Luna, Liza, Cameron, Nifa & Andrea