Abbie Clarke, 21, is a graduate fashion designer from the University of Lincoln. The designer has always been drawn to the creative subjects at school but it wasn’t until Art & Design A-level that she began to focus on the fashion industry.
Abbie doesn’t have limitations while producing new garments, she is open to high end, couture designs as well as to street style. "Sometimes I’ve had a strong concept and a clear vision about the collection. Other times I have looked for inspirations first and something in that research usually stands out to me and I develop on it."
Abbie’s graduate collection is a response to the African Child Soldier crisis. The use of children in the violent conflicts is a serious issue which been faced not only in the African continents but worldwide. The childhood of the soldiers is replaced by constant fights, suicide bombings, slavery and sexual violence.
The collection was also influenced by Peclers Forecasting ‘stand out’ colour palette and how vibrant coloured fabrics could be used to draw attention to the serious issues. "I think my most favourite design is the bright orange oversized puffer coat – it has been the most challenging design to manufacture and the impact of the bright orange is exactly what I was hoping for."
Abbie finds inspirations in things like colour palette, trend forecast, headline in the news or a successful manufacture technique. "I think inspiration can come from anything – that’s what I love about the fashion concept. Everyone is in touch with fashion by simply wearing clothes every day but the meaning behind each individual garment tells a different story."
The designer doesn’t have a specific type of materials which she prefers to use. However, after 6 months of internship as a Content Development Assistant for Robert Lee, founder of the Ethical Brand Directory, her views on the sustainable materials has changed. During her work experience, Abbie learned a lot about ethical living and sustainability, as well as the power of social media and the influence it can have.
"My role in the team was to put together content for social media platforms to inform consumers of the ethical alternatives and lifestyle changes they can make to assist towards an ethical future. I will definitely consider up-cycling/recycling in my future projects", says Abbie.
Abbie believes that not only the sustainable aspect but most of the values in the industry need to be re-evaluated. "I once read that fashion industry is one of the most influential and powerful industries on the planet and I sometimes question whether this influential power is being used positively or negatively."
With the current situation, no one knows what the future holds for the fashion industry. At the moment fashion shows are slowly moving online. Abbie is currently involved in the Offcut London Virtual Fashion Show in partnership with Not Just A label.
"Given the current situation and the fashion graduate shows been cancelled. Offcut and Not Just a Label have created an amazing opportunity for us to showcase our work. I am very grateful to be one of the twenty finalists in a group of incredibly talented graduate designers." Abbie believes that this situation just makes everyone stronger. "I think it taught me to focus on the positives – doing the best you can with what you have."
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