Graduate Fashion Week
may represent 40 of the UK’s leading fashion universities, it doesn’t,
however, feature a catwalk show for each, and with the case of the
University of South Wales they use their exhibition stand to showcase their
promising graduates.
One such graduate who stood out to FashionUnited was menswear designer
Steffan Pearson with his intricate and unique handmade embellished
collection, with his signature pieces featuring more than 40,000 beads. We
spoke to the promising designer about the inspiration behind his
collection, the techniques he used, as well as his Graduate Fashion Week
experience and plans for the future.
Why did you want to be a fashion designer?
“I wanted to be a fashion designer because I’ve always had a passion art
and design from an early age. Fashion allows me to express myself through
many mediums from illustration to garments.
“Watching catwalks and reading Vogue gave me an insight into the world
of fashion, I love seeing the glamour lifestyle many fashion designers
live, I feel that I was born to live the life of the rich and famous.”
What was the inspiration for your graduate collection?
“The collection is based on a voyage in pursuit of knowledge,
understanding and culture. The collection aims to illustrate adventure
through harsh landscapes, icy glaciers, and Inuit craftsmanship. Garments
are designed to adapt to the ever-changing conditions, with technical
fabrics, layered outerwear, bonded pockets and fur.
“The collection has comfort and richness through bespoke alpaca fabrics
showcasing creative surface texture and pattern, alongside unique textiles
of beads and fur to create an overall energetic and lively colour and mood
to the collection.”
What fabrics/techniques did you use?
“I used a mix of technical and soft fabrics to create an interesting
juxtaposition. The contrast of hard and soft, textured and flat allowed my
collection to have life and energy. I wanted to achieve this dynamic blend
as the concepts within my collection surround exploration and change.
During the fabric sourcing process, I actually worked with a company to
create my own fabric using 100 percent alpaca fibre. I created bespoke
shirting and wool fabrics, which gave my collection an even more luxurious
finish.
“The process of working with a factory to create a new fabric was
something very fulfilling as, as a designer you constantly want to create
something new, something which hasn’t been done before, and most
importantly claim the cloth. I also created a unique textile for my
collection using beads and fur, which took 105 days, and 44,000+ beads.
“The colour and texture of this handmade embellished fabric really set
my collection apart from the others at GFW, resulting in being nominated
for the David Band Textiles award and Accessories award. Furthermore,
fashion critics Suzy Menkes international editor of Vogue and Sara Maino
from Vogue Italia stated that my collection was a “stand out at graduate
fashion week”.”
What are the signature piece/pieces?
“My signature piece within my collection is without a doubt my beads and
fur jumper and skirt as it’s just so bold and unique. I would also say that
my accessories which went with my collection as stand out pieces as they
tie the looks together beautifully.”
Did you enjoy your Graduate Fashion Week experience?
“I was so overwhelmed with the exposure I got from graduate fashion
week, even though my university didn’t have a fashion show I would say I
was one of the most talked about collection there. Just to be able to come
in contact with industry professionals from a verity of different brands
was very beneficial for my creative practice and networking. Since GFW I’ve
been flooded with emails from stylists, photographers, and brands to work
for them. I can’t thank GFW enough for the chance to showcase my work
there.”
Why did you choose to study at the University of South Wales?
“I choose the university of south wales, as it was close home for me. I
got into the London College of Fashion, however, I felt it was too early to
make the move to London at the age of 18, so decided to stay in Wales and
develop my skill set in the comfort of Wales.
I decided to study at the University of South Wales because I knew the
reputation was good from visiting opening days. Also, because of the
amazing teaching team of Beth, Ann, Stacey, Jayne, Christian, Kay, Alyson,
Sarah, Ben and most importantly the inspiration course leader Irene Dee who
without, I wouldn’t have created the collection I made, as she really
pushed me and developed my ideas to the fullest.”
What was the most valuable thing you learned on your course?
“The most valuable thing I learnt from the course is the technical
skills, from day one we were taught the fashion fundamental from how to
draft a pattern to how to create a spec drawing. All these skills I see as
essential and are something which will see me through my career as a
fashion designer.”
What do you wish you had been told before you started your degree?
“Maybe how expensive and stressful it will be. I’m not going to lie
there were times that’s I was skint eating pot noodle, doing all-nighters
just to meet the deadlines, however, all of the sleepless nights and stress
was worth it in the end.”
What are your plans now that you’ve graduated?
“My plans are to try and make it as a fashion designer, I’m going to
apply for as many jobs as I can till I get the job I want. I also plan to
do an MA in a few years time, as I feel I’ll be more mature and be able to
give my all to the MA programme I choose. I also plan to try and be a TV
personality/radio presenter, as I love media and social media.”
What advice would you give someone considering studying fashion?
“I would say if you committed and dedicated to fashion and have great
creative idea I would defiantly study fashion. It’s not going to be all
glamour from the start but if you put the hours in you’ll get want you to
want in the end.”
What designers/labels do you most admire?
“I really love the high street brands River Island and Zara, as I
believe that the quality of the clothes there are superb and they are
constantly pushing fashion. I also love designer brand Acne Studios as they
androgynous styled clothing is also simply beautiful and clean.”
Images: Courtesy of Steffan Pearson / Denisa Nicoleta Molnar