Thea Hunter, a student from De Montfort University, has emerged victorious in the GFW24 De Montfort University catwalk show. This achievement highlights the talent and creativity of young designers, showcasing their innovative ideas and dedication to the fashion industry. Hunter's success serves as an inspiration to aspiring fashion students and reinforces the university's reputation for nurturing promising talent in the field of fashion design.
What is the most valuable thing you have learned at university?
One of the most valuable things I have learned is that it's not wrong to ask for help. Those lectures are there to impart their knowledge of the industry, so it's much better to ask them for help if you are struggling than to sit silently by yourself.
What was the starting point of inspiration for your final project?
My final project is not just a creative endeavour but a heartfelt tribute to my grandparents. Their love story, which unfolded through letters during their four-year separation before marriage, is the inspiration behind my work. I am crafting a grand love letter to them, a testament to their enduring bond, for my final project.
What form did your project take?
I am making three complete looks, each consisting of two garments. Each silhouette is based around my grandparents, whether it is the style of wedding dress my nan wore or the coveralls my grandad wore for work.
What materials have you used, and how did you source them?
I am using a few of the lightweight deadstock fabrics from the fashion brand Erdem that were gifted to our university and old second-hand denim jeans that were brought from local charity shops.
How has it evolved from your initial ideas, and what have you learned along the way?
My project has changed significantly, from changing the types of fabrics to silhouettes. My lectures have really helped to move my initial ideas along from silhouettes that were too simple to ones that are over the top but also give that wow factor. I've learned that you can really do anything if you put your heart into it and to really trust the process when starting to make, because most of the time, it may not look right, but once completely put together, it looks amazing.
What are the messages and themes behind your project that you want people to take away?
My project is one big love letter to my grandparents, looking into my grandparents recent diagnosis of dementia. Every day, my granddad slowly loses the ability to do things for himself and his memories. My Nan is now his full-time carer, and she has to watch as the love of her life slowly loses himself. I want to show the way that dementia can cause communication to break down, showing this with the use of heavy materials into sheer material. All my fabrics are 100% deadstock, charity shop denim jeans. Sustainability in the fashion industry is now a must, and I try to be as sustainable as I can when creating or designing garments.
What鈥檚 an aspect of the fashion industry that you鈥檙e passionate about fixing or having a positive impact on?
One of the aspects of fashion that I am passionate about and am now trying to delve into with my collections is creating garments from old second-hand garments or deadstock material. I feel that, for me, I can be more creative with minimal meterage rather than a large amount of fabric.
What are you planning to do following your BA?
As I look beyond my BA, I am filled with excitement and anticipation. I aspire to work as a womenswear designer, eager to immerse myself in the industry, gain valuable insights, and bring a fresh perspective to design teams. Ultimately, I dream of establishing my own fashion label, a testament to my passion and dedication.