Darcy Mayo

The research direction which inspired my womenswear collection is informed by the heritage of my home town of Huddersfield. After undertaking my placement year at the Huddersfield-based woollen mill, Bower Roebuck, I was inspired to delve deeper into the history of this textile town. With an ethos of sustainability in mind, I was enthused by the concept of creating quality, timeless pieces, produced entirely in Huddersfield. My collection consists of quality investment pieces, using cloth manufactured in local mills and taking influence from traditional tailoring techniques, as well as innovative digital printing. The story behind the collection is projected throughout each piece, through various methods including the use of digital print and zero waste pattern cutting techniques. The use of the selvedge is a key feature, and this is reflected in the tailored garments within the collection. I have also incorporated discarded scrap metal, salvaged from the looms, again adding a subtle hint to the story behind the collection. I feel that the collection reflects my individual style and personality as a designer, focussing on a simplistic yet elegant silhouette, combining traditional tailoring with contrasting draped moulage pieces.