Sarah Leatherland is a menswear designer from Northumbria University. The designer grew up in Middlesbrough there her interest in fashion sparked during the school years.
While deciding on her future career, Sarah already knew that she wants to pursue her goals as a fashion designer. It was challenging to live away from home but the knowledge she has gained over the years allowed to develop her style and designs.
Sarah now creates androgynous, masculine silhouette collections. "I was always inspired by menswear as I found them more challenging."
Sarah believes that menswear is starting to get better coverage nowadays. "Menswear is becoming more and more experimental and I believe it will be advertised as much as womenswear in the coming years."
Sarah was fortunate to have a 6-month internship in the menswear team at McQ Alexander McQueen. "I gained a lot of experience in Illustrator and Photoshop, while also going out and being able to do shop reports and brand research in London. I feel like it's here where my passion for menswear began."
Although menswear is something Sarah is passionate about she is not turning down other opportunities. The designer was also a part of the womenswear team at Plaza Collection there she has helped with computer-aided designs and garment research.
While talking about the aspects of the industry which Sarah would like to change, she has mentioned about the work experience when designers apply for jobs.
"I am lucky to have had experience in the industry but I still feel that certain brands will only accept candidates who have had 'more than 5 years' experience'. It might be better and easier for brands as they don't have to teach as much but I feel that brands are missing out on new talents."
The other huge and obvious problem that she thinks needs to be addressed is fast fashion. "Body image is a huge part of why people buy certain clothing, brands and manufacturers should start making clothes that are both sustainable and fashionable."
Sarah's latest designs are nomadic. She likes using big feet and squished bodies. "I feel like it highlights my concept very well."
Sarah is inspired by cultural and vintage clothing which could be seen a lot in her research, along with texture and embellishment.
While researching, the designer focuses on cultural and conceptual aspects as well as gathers inspiring images. Sarah also likes to create numerous collages that encourage silhouette, texture and shape.
"These are always the basis of my collection, they encompass my whole concept and most definitely provided the foundation for my final major project."
In the latest collection, Sarah tried to develop her own trend. She wanted her garments to be different to anything else she has seen before in menswear.
"I had originally planned on producing my final line-up by hand but due to the circumstances and not having materials readily available I've adapted and created my illustrations digitally."
Sarah's favourite design illustration is the one she has submitted to the GFW Illustration Award. "I feel like it encompasses my whole collection concept, showing texture and technical elements with a humorous and feminine twist."
The designer was also nominated for the GFW Childrenswear Award. As well as menswear, childrenswear became a huge part of Sarah's final portfolio which she would like to develop and get a job in either of these sectors in the future.
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