The Chronicle Autumn Term 2017

25 ST EDWARD’S CHRONICLE

Matilda Mann Fashion designers survive by coming up with new ideas. Those influenced by street art such as Louis Vuitton have been quick to exploit the rebellious and often political power of street culture in their designs. The current generation now more than ever are creating designs that question society and use controversial ideas to force the audience or wearer to question their politics and morals. ‘ Street Art in Fashion ’ is my final Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) title. I wrote a 2000-word essay and created an outfit consisting of a jacket, top and skirt. I wanted to be controversial and to express my views clearly in my design. After looking at the work of street artists such as Lady Aiko and Banksy, who are heavily influenced by society and the world around them, I decided to attack racism, gender inequality and Donald Trump. The top I created is a simple blue ruched bandeau, converted from the waistband of a skirt, whilst my skirt is an adapted pair of jeans. Inserted in the middle seams of the jeans is a multi-coloured fabric, chosen to symbolise gay pride and gender fluidity. Around the material are

the words: ‘Achievement has no colour’, a quote by Abraham Lincoln. I used the stereotypical graffiti font to highlight the fact that street art was my main influence. I bought the denim jacket from New Look and proceeded to embroider the outline of a cartoon face of Trump, making sure that I accentuated his features to make him instantly recognisable. I then painted in the hair, as well as adding ‘WARNING’ on the cuffs in red and on the top of the jacket in white. The same graffiti font was used to unite the pieces of clothing. I wanted to make it very clear that I believe that Trump is an uncertainty and that everyone should be wary of what he will do in the future. I really enjoyed the EPQ, especially the jacket which I intend to replicate. I would never have known that I have this passion were it not for my undertaking the EPQ. I am very satisfied with what I achieved in my overall product and I have a far greater understanding of graffiti as an art form and the influence street art has on fashion designers today.

Matilda was previously at Pinewood.