Dezeen School Shows: an exploration into natural materials such as hemp and flax for use in the textile industry is included in Dezeen’s latest school show by students at Loughborough University.

Also included is a hiking shoe informed by regions of New Zealand and a swimwear collection made from recycled materials.

Loughborough University

Institution: Loughborough University
School: School of Design and Creative Arts
Course: BA (Hons) Textile Design
Tutor: Jennifer Dranttel

School statement:

“Loughborough University’s BA (Hons) Textile Design Programme is firmly establishing itself as a leader in the contemporary textiles field.

“Consistently topping the Guardian’s University Guide since 2020, the programme has undergone a transformative curriculum overhaul and significant investment in state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.

“With a fresh, forward-thinking approach, the course empowers students to engage with the latest trends while charting their own direction in a rapidly evolving industry.

“This vibrant energy was evident at the 2024 New Designers Showcase in London, where Loughborough’s class of 2024 claimed eight major industry awards across categories like pattern, colour, material development and sustainability.

“Here, ten graduate projects highlight the innovative areas explored in this exciting programme.”

Sustainable Material Development and Climate Action by Cadi Williams

“Symbiocene depicts the symbiotic organisms of the future as a couture accessory collection, exploring the eventual evolution of Homo sapiens with species of the fungi and protista kingdoms of life.

“A lichen exists as a symbiotic association between a fungus and an alga or cyanobacteria.

“Inspired by this symbiosis, evolutionary biology and the amalgamation of human anatomy with that of fungi, lichen and algae, this project predicts the symbiotic Homo species that will roam earth in a million years’ time.

“The project is created through a blend of high-and low-tech processes such as hand and digital embroidery as well as a deep exploration into material development and utilisation.

“Ceramics, textiles and other materials are reused and reimagined in captivating ways and bioleathers and bioplastics have been developed and utilised to highlight the potential of sustainable material in future-scoping scenarios.”

Student: Cadi Williams
Course: BA (Hons) Textile Design

Sound in Motion by Amy Newcombe

“Amy Newcombe’s project Sound in Motion is a visual representation of the varying auditory experiences faced by the deaf community.

“Inspired by her own experience of hearing loss, this project offers practical solutions for those experiencing sensory overload in public spaces by minimising excessive noise through screens and sound panels.

“In addition, the collection visually communicates the invisible experiences faced by the hard of hearing to provide ways to communicate the unique experiences of tinnitus and hearing loss.

“To communicate the feeling of words being just out of reach and miscommunication, the collection incorporates innovative printing methods into the weaves, such as screen-printing onto warp yarns before weaving to create a distorted phrase.”

Student: Amy Newcombe
Course: BA (Hons) Textile Design

The Reward of Labour by Alicia Walker

“Alicia Walker’s final-year project, The Reward of Labour, is a high-end fashion collection, taking aesthetic inspiration from traditional local crafts: workwear in North Staffordshire, the pottery industry in Stoke-on-Trent and the silk and dye industry in Leek.

“The collection combines traditional British-made materials in inventive ways, challenging the boundaries of hard versus soft and beauty versus disrepair, while utilising natural dyes grown and distilled by Alicia herself in Stoke.”

Student: Alicia Walker
Course: BA (Hons) Textile Design

The Promise of Dormancy by Libby Gallagher

“Specialising in sustainable and conscious design, Libby Gallagher’s work The Promise of Dormancy showcases the potential of plant-based origins for the textiles industry.

“In response to the current climate crisis and recognition of the significant responsibility of the textiles industry, this project values regeneration and traceability, spotlighting tier four of the textile supply chain – raw materials.

“The collection explores the potential of cellulose fibres, flax, hemp and nettle, to respect planetary boundaries for conscious design decisions through inventive techniques of weaving, spinning, paper and material making.”

Student: Libby Gallagher
Course: BA (Hons) Textile Design

In Motion by Katy Young

“In motion is a spring summer unisex running wear collection from Katy Young that celebrates the beauty of human movement.

“It is a fusion of aesthetics and functionality, inspired by the dynamic and rhythmic cadence found in various sports.

“It aims to empower individuals to move freely with confidence, allowing them to fully embrace the joy of physical movement and the colour range is inclusive to a range of skin tones so all athletes can look and feel their best.

“Material feel and performance was a key aspect of the collection, so high-performance synthetics are combined with merino wool, which is a biodegradable material that provides temperature regulation and UV protection – perfect features for sportswear.”

Student: Katy Young
Course: BA (Hons) Textiles

Concrete Need, Concrete Greed by Andrea Verdant

“Andrea Verdant’s collection, is an exploration of home through post war social housing, specifically focusing on tower blocks and council estates located in East London.

“Perception is vital when defining a home, with lived experiences, comfort, relatability and familiarity all possessing the ability to shape one’s outlook on a home.

“The work aims to amplify the voices of underrepresented people, highlighting their vital role in society and drawing attention to their overlooked experiences, while acknowledging her posture as an outsider to many of the council estates that inspired the collection.

“Evidence of aggressive regeneration highlights the lack of upkeep in these spaces, capturing imagery of overlooked architectural features, hostile architecture and signs of deterioration as injustice has become further rooted into the UK housing system.”

Student: Andrea Verdant
Course: BA (Hons) Textile Design

S.O.S. by Ruth Glasheen

“With oceans becoming acidic, forests burning, sea levels rising, the icecaps melting and coral reefs dying, the planet is crying out for help.

“We are facing a man-made disaster on a global scale – the greatest threat in thousands of years.

“Ruth Glasheen’s collection ‘S.O.S.’ , is created to reflect a post-apocalyptic landscape and the needs of a population that failed to act in time to prevent this catastrophe.

“S.O.S. reimagines the conventional survival tool kit using textile processes such as embroidery, metal work, sublimation, crochet and even net making.

“By creating essential survival tools whilst also playing with tradition, the collection reinvents what survival means, and allows a peek into what our futures might look like – one where survival is a necessity, death is common, food must be foraged and caught, shelters are built and codes and signals are vital communication methods.”

Student: Ruth Glasheen
Course: BA (Hons) Textile Design

Untitled by Phoebe Singzon

“Phoebe Singzon’s final collection showcases their experience with queer identity through woven sculptural forms and a zine that showcases poetry exploring a queer narrative.

“The collection uses textiles as activism, affirming the existence of the LGBTQIA+ community despite the rise of homophobic and transphobic crime in the UK.

“Each textile artefact is an expression of identity which stems from the theosophical framework of ‘thought forms’ which create the manifestation of thoughts through art and visual language.

“The pieces explore weaving with active and passive yarns, creating dynamic and reflexive sculptural shapes which reflect the transformative changes undergone whilst exploring gender identity.”

Student: Phoebe Singzon
Course: BA (Hons) Textile Design

High-tech Sportswear by Amy Gardner

“Understanding the importance of proper footwear for sports and outdoor activities, Amy Gardner’s collection NEO draws inspiration from running and trail shoes, focusing on original prototypes with conceptual materials.

“As hiking shoes transition into fashion, this collection aims to create versatile products for both adventure and style.

“A conceptual unisex trainer collection which explores the hidden wonders of New Zealand’s geothermal regions, NEO is influenced by both the chemistry and appearance of this otherworldly atmosphere and explores material for both style and function.”

Student: Amy Gardner
Course: BA (Hons) Textile Design

Reflexed by Holly Owers

“Holly Owers’ Reflexed is a sustainable sea swimming lifestyle collection perfectly matched to swimmers’ needs and specifically designed to enhance the experience, safety and afterglow of this life-affirming sport.

“The collection is aimed at inspiring everyone to take up sea swimming and is a fusion of fashion, comfort and personal experience.

“The aim is to make women feel great about themselves, to experience the endorphins and rush of the cold-water shock, to feel safe in the water and experience the significant positive impacts on their physical and mental health, while sourcing non-damaging, recycled and inventive materials that don’t negatively impact the natural beauty of England’s seas.”

Student: Holly Owers
Course: BA (Hons) Textile Design

Partnership content

This school show is a partnership between Dezeen and Loughborough University. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

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