Deadstock fabric donation gives students the chance to bring designs to life

A student who had never sewn before starting her course at GCU has reflected on her latest fashion design, created using sustainable materials donated by two British fashion companies.

GCU’s Fashion Design with Business programme teamed up with The Materialist and Oliver Spencer to allow second year students the chance to create their very own shirts as part of their Garment Realisation module.

One of those students involved was Kirsten MacLean, who talked us through her design and reflected on her personal journey on the course so far.

How did you come to study at GCU?

“I had never sewn anything before starting this course and I was basically just really interested in anything to do with art. I’d tried to get into the Glasgow School of Art and wasn’t successful. GCU was another option and I felt confident that I could pick up things quite quickly with the fashion side of the course. I also knew that I would be interested in it and it’s turned out to be such a good decision to come and study here.”

Your design was created with deadstock fabrics, what are the benefits of using them?

“The course partners with companies who then send fabrics over. We’ve worked with MacGregor and MacDuff before as well, and I know there will be others next year. Deadstock fabrics is basically fabric that would be put into waste, so the fact they’ve donated it to us is amazing. The fashion industry leads to a lot of clothes being put into landfill, so anything that allows us to be sustainable is a massive positive.

Tell me about the design process that you went through?

“We were tasked with designing our own shirt but we were basically free to do it however we wanted. We had to design five shirts and then pick one to actually make, so I was just trying to keep it all as simple as possible because I realised quite quickly that making a shirt is actually really hard. The actual design I went with was a casual piece and created as a baby-doll top which then flares out.”

“There were different types of fabric available and you just put your name down for the one you wanted. I used two different types of fabric which I wouldn’t previously considered as an option – the donations have really helped my design stand out more.

“I really had to step out my comfort zone throughout this project because I’d never sewn before. You also get to do a practice version before you make the final version, and you really do learn a lot from that. The overall process has massively boosted my confidence and I’m actually really grateful to The Materialist and Oliver Spencer for their donations - it’s really helped me. Everything I’ve learned has been through practical experience because you can’t exactly learn online about how to make and cut fabric properly – it all happens through physically doing it.”

How did you feel when you finally got to see your final design?

“It felt really good when it was finished, especially when it was selected to be photographed – it made me think that maybe I am actually doing something right.

“I actually had quite a few challenges making this. I had to resew the collar about ten times and I don’t think I could have done it another time.

“My favourite thing about my design is the colours – I feel the red and the blue contrast with the yellow and really work well together.”

Looking back on your journey so far at GCU, how do you feel about where you’re currently at and where you want to be in the future?

“I believe everything happens for a reason and that me coming to GCU was definitely meant to be. I’m really enjoying it here and it’s definitely a great opportunity for me. There are so many different areas I can go into once I complete my degree.

“My real passion is actually fashion photography. I really enjoy the design aspect but I really want to get into the fashion photography side of things because I’ve always enjoyed photography.

“I studied my Higher in school and I follow a lot of people online that do it. I think it’s really interesting because you get to take the pictures and then digitally enhance them as well. Our course touches on different digital aspects; Photoshop and Adobe Premier Pro, so I’m definitely in the right place to continue my development.”

Find out more about GCU’s BA (Hons) Fashion Design with Business programme