Mitchell Gardner

Manchester Met University

I am a fashion student based in Manchester with a strong focus on leather craft, upcycling and sustainable practice. My work focuses on reuse, longevity and hands on making with a strong emphasis on transforming discarded leather garments into durable and practical pieces. I am interested in the connection between craftsmanship, sustainability and self expression, and I aim to develop work that is both conceptually driven and wearable. I aim to refine my technical skills whilst working with existing leather materials through experimentation with construction, form and design.

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Second Skin

Category: Apparel

Competitions: International

SECOND SKIN EXPLORES IDENTITY, PROTECTION AND TRANSFORMATION THROUGH RECONSTRUCTED LEATHER GARMENTS MADE FROM DISCARDED LEATHER PIECES AND OFF CUTS. GROWING UP IN MANCHESTER, AN INDUSTRIAL CITY SHAPED BY MACHINERY HAS INFLUENCED MY BIOMECHANICAL AESTHETIC AND DARK VISUAL LANGUAGE. AT THE CORE OF MY PRACTICE IS UPCYCLING LEATHER GOODS AND WASTE TO GIVE DISCARDED MATERIALS A NEW LIFE THROUGH RECONSTRUCTION, SHOWING HOW GARMENT LIFE CAN BE EXPANDED. THIS PROJECT IS INSPIRED BY THE BIOMECHANICAL VISUALS OF H.R. GIGER AND THE DARK SCULPTURAL SILHOUETTES OF RICK OWENS.

In association with

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.