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Maisie Ingram

University of Portsmouth

N/A

Glothes, Sustainable Design, Unisex

Hi, I’m Maisie Ingram. I am currently a third year student at the University of Portsmouth. I have studied and enjoyed design throughout my whole life. As I have gotten older I have refined my skills and learnt so much. My final collection will be ‘no sew’ and completely put together using leather techniques, such as pop through decorative buttons and hand weaving leather strips. Therefore, my collection is 100% leather and 100% recyclable and designed for longevity. I have used the laser cutter to engineer my designs, cut out pattern pieces, raster print designs and create 3D textiles. I have also used the laser cutter to adapt the profile of the fabric, causing it to have different properties that allow it to stretch over the body and eliminate the need for fastenings such as zips and buttons. The mono material nature of my designs highlight the versatility of leather.

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The Space Between

Category: Apparel

Competitions: International

THE SPACE BETWEEN The Space Between is a no-sew garment from my graduate collection, designed to explore the full potential of leather as both structure and surface. Constructed entirely from 100% donated deadstock Mulberry cowhide leather, this collection uses no stitching, adhesives, or synthetic materials. Instead, the garment is held together through an innovative system of laser-cut interlocking panels and reimagined leather button fastenings, drawing on traditional leather weaving techniques to create a clean, modular silhouette. This design places sustainability and material circularity at its core. By working with a mono-material approach and avoiding composite structures, each garment is fully recyclable and biodegradable. The use of laser-etching allows for textile-like textures and detailing to be applied directly onto the leather, without compromising its integrity or purity. It eliminates the need for lining, thread, or bonded materials, ensuring the design remains true to its zero-waste ethos. The construction method also allows the garment to be taken apart, repaired, or reassembled, making it adaptable and long-lasting, two crucial qualities in a world confronting textile waste and fast fashion’s environmental toll. Every design decision was made to honour the enduring value of leather while pushing its creative boundaries. Although one skirt includes a deadstock designer fabric blend and is not included in this submission, the rest of the collection is made entirely from 100% donated Mulberry leather. These garments exemplify leather’s capacity for reinvention through contemporary techniques, all while respecting the material’s heritage. I, Maisie Ingram, imagined, developed, and handcrafted each piece. Through The Space Between, I aim to show that leather can lead the way in sustainable, innovative, and expressive design.

In association with Arts Thread

Working with our partners at Arts Thread to develop lifelong learning and career opportunities for students of fashion and design. Our partnership provides the opportunity to compete on a world stage, participate in industry led workshops, set up an outstanding portfolio and gain access to the resources that will kickstart careers in fashion and design.