Personal Statement – ISABELLA PEARSON
I have just completed a four-year Bachelor of Arts degree in Fashion Design at the University of Leeds during which I specialised in Menswear. Studying at the University of Leeds has given me such an enjoyable and rewarding time with exposure to outstanding facilities, people and industry. I shall take away memories and experiences that have helped shape my future. I undertook a year in industry through 2018/2019 with Whistles and French Connection and witnessed at first hand the real world of the fashion industry. Working alongside both womenswear and menswear design teams all helped build up my skills in preparation for my final year of study. This time spent within these two companies helped me develop as an individual and also gain confidence in my abilities. Significantly, I believe working in industry helped me realise how important the early stages of research and design development are.
Two of my concepts for final year were based upon primary images from a trip to Marrakech for which I split this into two different pathways. The first was for Arket, inspired by the Jardin Majorelle and the second was for Paria Farzaneh, inspired by the intricate prints and colours found in Marrakech.
The third concept was based around the 60s, with inspiration from personalities of the time, such as Mick Jagger, Jimi Hendrix and Marc Bolan, creating a more tailored design collection. William Morris, the textile designer, was also studied to assist in inspiration for my own print ideas and how I might incorporate his style of print into my own designs.
The final concept was inspired by U.S. Navy Uniforms, assessing the colours, silhouettes and ship detail, such as ropework and life jackets. The colour palette has been influenced by this military look, using the design features of, for example, fighter planes and compasses, where small colour detail transforms the look of an object (i.e., the red dot signifying North on a compass) creating a palette that is suitable for A/W21 and the brand Stone Island Marina.
For my innovation module I was inspired by trainers. I created my own brand ‘CORRERE’ which translates as ‘run’ in Italian. I have used an Italian name as the brands I have been inspired by, Stone Island and C.P. Company, originated in Italy. I studied the curved seams, raw edges, technical fabrics and the variety of colours that a trainer exhibits. I explored how I can create a more 3D and structured product in terms of pockets, lacing and adding various fabrics.
My University Highlight: It was definitely my year in industry where I could see how all that I had been studying started to come together. It gave me the opportunity to meet amazing people, feel a part of the fashion world, make a positive contribution, experience really enjoyable events such as press days and photoshoots and help set me up for my final year through enhancing and developing my skills. It also gave me the chance to build my connections and network.
My Design Aesthetic: My aesthetic is heavily influenced by streetwear. My designs tend to have more of a sporty influence and I enjoy experimenting with technical fabrics.
I like to have some influences that our personal to me, for example using my own images or getting inspiration from something I am interested in, such as trainers.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isabellapearsondesign/
Online Portfolio: https://www.artsthread.com/profile/isabellapearson/
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabella-pearson/
