Ciara Courtney

BA (Hons) Fashion 2020

My collection focuses on the occult, combined with British folk culture, drawing inspiration from the 1973 movie the Wicker Man and my own Grandmother, who was a practising Wiccan Witch in the 1970s. My collection aims to question the current fashion climate, and how material choices and processes can be used in order to combat fast fashion. For instance, hand embroidery features heavily within my collection, using seagrass and donated Upcycled Swarovski crystals. At the heart of my collection is focused on craft and an ethos that celebrates unusual materials and techniques. Taking inspiration from historical garments and processes, and updating them, to create a collection that alludes to a more mystical way of life.  

During my time on BA fashion, I have discovered a passion for both creative and academic research and writing; something I have pursued further during my time on UNIT X- writing an article for the fashion magazine 1Granary which highlights social issues affecting working-class fashion students. I have also undertaken an internship for the fashion designer Patrick McDowell, a sustainable designer that inspired me to instil sustainable values into my collection through the use of deadstock fabrics, natural dye techniques and sustainable embellishment.

With thanks to The Sarabande Foundation, my amazing tutors, Jacob and my amazing Mother and Grandmother