Meet Kate McElduff From De Montfort University ─Winner Of The Fashion For Change Award From Shelter At Graduate Fashion Week
Hi I'm Kate! I study fashion design/knit @ DMU
During my second-year project, I based my concept on my childhood dyslexia titled 'Childhood Bliss'.
I explored sensory communication through touch.
My dyslexia affected my speech, meaning I didn’t talk until at least 5 years old with speech therapy alongside to develop my skills.
Kate McElduff is a fashion design student studying at De Montfort University, Leicester.
Whilst studying, Kate discovered her love for knitting during her second year of university. Her research leads her to take a hands-on approach utilising her hand craft skills and love of unconventional 3D.
INSPIRATION : It's Time To Get Back In Touch With Our Senses. Time To Touch-A-Lot.
I took initial inspiration from a previous project 'Childhood Bliss'. Looking into this influence of touch further, in my adult life, my Nan has macular degeneration (MD), which leaves her with only peripheral vision.
This classifies her as legally blind and relies on touch and other heightened senses. The concept explores and identifies how touch is valued and how we can reconnect to touch after a global pandemic.
Relying on technology to connect us has become outdated and we need to stimulate our skin and fingers more.
This collection will research how visually impaired/blind consumers relate to fashion - they mainly rely on touch to understand and form an opinion on garments.
The softer, lightweight fabric used is known as more attractive.
Creating a collection that changes in textures, from soft to rough helps to stimulate our sense of touch and is inclusive of all customers.
Alpaca Fibres - Inlaying Technique
The main technique used in this collection is inlaying used on chunky gauge dubied.
This combines elastic with raw alpaca fibers, the softness of the alpaca and dyed varying colours presents a fun playful appearance using natural fibers.
