Profile: Aoife Harvey – Real Leather Design Competitions

Aoife Harvey

Ulster University , Belfast School of art

Fashion designs and textiles BA hons

Sustainable Design, Womenswear, Denim

As a sustainable fashion designer, my inspiration comes from nature-everything around me, from the natural beauty formed in hills and fields to the bright and pure colours that characterize the natural world. These colours and inspirations are incorporated into my fabric-first designs. I also draw significant inspiration from historical textile manipulation techniques, such as patchwork and quilting. By employing these methods, I enhance the reclaimed, vintage, and deadstock materials I discover, resulting in unique, one-of-a-kind designs. My goal is to cater to the eco-conscious consumer, individuals who value sustainability and strive to make a positive impact through their fashion choices. I design with the intention of offering timeless, stylish garments that transcend trends, ensuring they can be worn and cherished for years to come. By prioritizing sustainable practices and utilizing materials with a lower environmental footprint, I aim to contribute to a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry.

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Waste to Wardrobe

Category: Design

Competitions: UK, International

For my final graduate collection, I've taken textile waste and turned it into a stylish wardrobe. I believe that using a fabric-first approach to design can be both trendy and eco-friendly, and that's exactly what I've done in this collection. To create these pieces, I've used historical techniques like patchwork and quilting, combined with modern 2023 fashion trends. I've upcycled upholstery, denim, a parachute , and leather that would have otherwise ended up in landfills. The colour palette for my collection was inspired by the destruction that textile waste causes to our beautiful surroundings. I drew inspiration from the shapes and silhouettes of our patchwork Irish fields and an iconic landmark, the Giants Causeway, with its hexagonal steps. I've incorporated gold hardware and eyelets. The gold was inspired by the Japanese method of repairing pottery called Kintsugi, which adds beauty to the object by highlighting the story of its repairs. The white thread and ties represent new beginnings and fresh starts, which is how I feel about the colour white. I've designed this collection to be versatile, so you can mix and match the pieces and wear them again and again. I hope this collection inspires others to rethink their approach to design and upcycling, and to change their attitudes towards upcycled clothing.