Jo Sillars

BA (Hons) Fashion Design and Technology (Menswear) 2021

I am a queer, trans designer, maker and performer based in Manchester, UK. My practice is heavily influenced by my experience as a trans person, being marginalised by wider society and within the fashion industry too. I reflect on intersectionality and sustainability, trying to be as ethical in my practise as possible; taking into account both the social and environmental impact of my work.

My most recent collection T4T KINKWEAR was created pimarily due to the lack of inclusion of trans people within kink fashion. As a trans person myself, I understand the nuances of gender diversity, however, my insight is not universal, so I interviewed others in order to have a more diverse group of voices to represent. The designer, models, makers, photographers, interviewees were all transgender.

The collaborative work with a fellow trans designer, Scar Kennedy, who helped me produce beautiful knitwear pieces within the collection is notable. Latex was the main fabric of the collection, as I have really wanted to learn how to work with this material. Learning about fabrics and their qualities really interests me. I used offcuts and second hand pieces for some of the smaller garments. This reduced the environmental impact and waste. The harnesses were made by using recycled tire inner tubes. The layering of many garments and accessories really helped to create depth in the outfits, combined with the styling; to me it feels so playful and filled with joy.

Another influence is queer nightlife and culture, especially performance. Club kid looks and drag in particular call to me. I admire self expression and connection to ones inner self. I perform as a clown character named Jelly Tot, and a drag king called PosterBoy. This experience gives me an entirely different perspective on fashion and performance-wear; I love the whole styling of looks around a character.

I hope to explore this more post graduation, making bigger chaotic garments which can be used as an exhibition of queerness.