3) Exploring the Powerful Influence of Scottish Witch Hunts in Kirsten Cochrane’s AW23 Collection.
An amazing AW23 Collection that draws inspiration from the haunting era of the great Scottish witch hunt in the late 15th and 16th centuries. This collection is an homage to the women accused of witchcraft during that time. Moreover, Kirsten Cochrane portrays her as a woman who challenges societal norms and fearlessly reclaims her sexuality. Through a skilful fusion of historical garments from the 17th-century witch trials and the rebellious spirit of 1970s punk subculture, her collection pays tribute to influential female figures like Jordan Mooney and Vivienne Westwood.
On the other hand, building upon her Scottish heritage, Kirsten has delved into traditional fabric techniques and the captivating landscapes that once served as the backdrop for these accused women. By incorporating colours and textures inspired by the Scottish countryside, She aims to capture the essence of their existence. Likewise, leather, renowned for its durability and symbolism of dominance, serves as a testament to the enduring strength of these women. Additionally, she has utilized donated deadstock Harris Tweed, breathing new life into this traditional fabric.
Above all, Kirsten Cochrane has employed techniques such as monoprinting, relief printing, and collagraphs to create innovative prints. She used herbs, leaves and dried plants, all found in her garden and the Pentland hills on her doorstep, one of the many places in Scotland where witch trials took place. That is an innovative collection to inspire your way of dressing.
4) From Quarry Bank Mill to Grace Cairns: A Journey through British Industrial History.
Grace Cairns focuses on the indomitable force of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century, which left an indelible mark on British history. Its impact on employment was colossal, generating countless jobs, particularly in Lancashire. However, Grace breathes life into a print collection that draws inspiration from Quarry Bank Mill, a Lancashire mill that thrived during the Industrial Revolution.
Moreover, this collection delves into the intricate relationship between the mill workers and the factory owners’ clothing. With a distinctively oversized and exaggerated triangular silhouette, the A/W collection pays homage to the fabrics of Victorian factories, employing cotton as its primary medium. In addition, more delicate materials like devore satin and viscose take centre stage. Each print finds its muse in the magnificent machines that once resided in the cotton mills, such as the Flying Shuttle and Spinning Jenny. From a rich colour palette boasting jewel tones to the striking contrast of light pastels and moody, earthy hues of green and brown, this collection magnifies the elitism that permeated the 18th century.
5) Breaking Boundaries: Amy Lou Clunes Redefines Wedding Fashion with Re-Star-t.
Re-Star-t by Amy Lou Clunes is a groundbreaking Spring/Summer 2024 ready-to-wear bridal collection. Deadstock fabric breathes new life into upcycled wedding dresses, ready to wear on multiple occasions. Moreover, Inspired by the historic Stonewall Riots of 1969 and the remarkable LGBTQ+ activist Marsha P. Johnson, her collection pays homage to Johnson’s powerful ideologies. Known for her iconic phrases, “pay it no mind” and “make do with what you have,” Marsha’s influence on Re-Star-t is undeniable.
However, despite being homeless for her life, she fearlessly blended “masculine” and “feminine” clothing, donning whatever she could find. Through her organization, STAR (Street Transvestites Action Revolutionaries), Marsha brought together people struggling to find food and shelter. In short, Re-Star-t by Amy Lou Clunes captures the essence of Marsha’s spirit by incorporating elements throughout the collection.
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NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
♦Abigail Scurr, Instagram: @abs.fashion
♦Kira Banks, Instagram: @kirabanks.fashion
♦Kirsten Cochrane, Instagram: @kirstenmhairicochrane
♦Grace Cairns
♦Amy Lou Clunes, Instagram: @whozamy
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