


laurajc25@hotmail.com
I am versatile in the work that I produce. I have designed prints that are abstract repeats based on ink movement in water, contrasted with my more recent work based on childhood nostalgia, which featured mixed media motifs of antique playthings. I am interested in surface design and recently challenged myself to develop a print collection that would work on both fashion and interior products. This concluded with a range of sixteen different prints each inspired by key components that directly relate back to the idea of childhood. I used my designs on simple garments as well as interior products such as ceramics, stationary and soft furnishings. I am always inspired by the concept of bringing old and new together and try to show this in my pieces.
Parra S/S 11' draws exotic inspiration from the smallest state in India, Goa, exploring and magnifying its natural beauty... from the discarded and entangled fishing nets left on the shores of Bambolim beach by the local fisherman, to the entwined tree roots and overlaying vines dominating the forests. Traditional Indian jewellery and textiles have been contrasted and combined with these natural elements to encapsulate a ethnic yet contemporary collection that flaunts both femininity and vibrancy within its digitially printed textile designs. Parra is a highly personal collection, reflecting the family roots of its designer whose family heritage in Goa made her eager to investigate its culture and customs as to reflect the true Goan lifestyle within her work.
Sporadic hand drawn florals have been manipulated and clashed with more structural and traditional patterns, inspired by woven and embroidered textiles originating from the South of India. Bridal costume has also been explored through the inclusion of feminine bindi motifs, synchronised into blooming floral shapes and decorative jewellery, including the panja, to create both intricate and subtle repeats. Abstract and painterly design has also been considered to create a diverse print collection, seen with the 'mali' dress which attempts to replicate the exquisite marks of an Indian elephant's skin. An exotic colour palette synonymous of an Indian Summer has been used, playing with hues reminiscent of 'Papaya' 'Elephant Greys' and 'Golden sands' to create a feminine yet playful collection.
Luxurious silks, including crepe de chine and georgette feature across the collection, complimenting the drape and fluidity of the tunic and vest silhouettes, whilst allowing the surface design of the garments to speak for itself. The free flowing, draped form of the garments elaborate the carefree and fun-loving spirit of the archetypal Nikki Strange customer.
Through embracing small imperfections of natural organic materials and merging them with fresh modern industrial techniques I have developed a collection of unique products for the sustainable minded consumer.
Textile design has been drawn from and inspired by one of nature’s creatures using bold shape and colour together with linear lines to portray the strong armoured yet delicate appearance of, The Locust.
My passion and strengths lie with surface design, I would describe my design style as intricate, linear, using clear imagery and I enjoy merging this with texture or organic raw materials. Throughout designing I look to push the techniques I use further each time to create intriguing fresh new end results to help build further knowledge of my chosen discipline.
'Enamored as he is above all of distinction, perfection in dress consists in absolute simplicity, which is, indeed, the best way of being distinguished.'
The range itself is designed for Spring/ Summer 2011 and is suitable for home interior or preferably the garden. The fabric used for the Garden Chair is Digitally Printed Half Panama; this is soft to touch and yet is heavy weight enough to be used outdoors. The decorative cushions are Digitally Printed Cotton Satin and with the use of cover buttons and piping, this becomes more individual.
My collection “Morryb” has been inspired by shorelines abroad and at home. Morryb is seaside in Cornish and this is where I have been fortunate to spend most summers admiring the coast line and picking up beautiful shells. Underwater life is always mysterious as there are so many sides to the ocean and its belongings. Creatures in all shape and colours are a way in which we become indulged by the textures and tones. The sea is never ending and will always be there, it has been my natural blank canvas and I have brought it to life. Morryb is a collection of memories caught within layers of fabric and print and would be suitable in stores such as Habitat and smaller boutiques; this is something I am able to look into in the future due to my degree in Fashion and Textiles.
This collection had the intention from the outset to utilise 100% organic fabric, without compromise, and without wavering. I designed a fashion collection, as I wanted to move out of my comfort zone of interiors, whilst still using the same rules of placement, scale, and colour ways.
I used screen printing in the development of my final designs, as I wanted to keep the printing process as natural as possible. I took inspiration for my prints from the architecture of plants, and the natural forms of architecture.
My final collection uses all 100% organic fabric, which surpasses the non organic alternative in both quality and versatility, for only a fraction more of the price. I want to see more organic fabric used, not just because of the fantastic environmental improvements, but also because of the increased intrinsic value of the products and garments that are made from solely organic fabric.
The skills learnt within this project and degree have given me a strong basis and foundation of the fashion world as well as the practical elements of garment construction that can be taken into any job in the fashion industry. In particular fashion buying or showroom sales are areas I hope to become successful in.