Put aside the industrial images that are conjured up when thinking of the steel profiling industry because we’ve donned our gladrags and have taken to the catwalk!
Okay, so we haven’t literally gone to the catwalk but some of our laser cut profiles have. Earlier in the year we were approached by fashion design student Eleanor O’Connor to become a sponsor of her final collection as part of her final year of studies. Of course we were extremely excited to get involved with an industry that we don’t usually deal with.
For her project, Eleanor was tasked with creating six outfits and accompanying accessories to be displayed during her degree show exhibition. As part of her designs she required some polished stainless steel cut parts which were to be incorporated into the designs.
Her full requirement was for five 250mm x 250mm grids and fifty 60mm disks, laser cut from 3mm and 1mm brushed stainless steel respectively.
Have chosen to focus on womenswear and with no limit on creativity, Eleanor was able to express herself in any way she wanted. Original from Sheffield, the home of stainless steel, it was only fitting that this metal be at the core of her designs.
When we asked her why she decided to approach Charles Day and why laser cut stainless steel became the focal point of her project, she had the following to say:
€œI have chosen to look at the theme of a contrasting industry and girlhood nostalgia, which basically links in the Sheffield connection. I am going to make some work wear jackets and overall style shapes but using unusual fabrics. I will use the steel alongside other materials that are softer such as chiffon, wool and silk so it is a combination of hard and soft. €
The degree show took place in June and was a major success with almost 40 students showcasing their designs. More information and images from the event can be seen here:
Vogue – http://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/autumn-winter-2015/ready-to-wear/central-saint-martins-ba
WWD – http://wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-features/central-st-martins-london-graduate-fashions-10142534/
Dazzed Digital – http://www.dazeddigital.com/fashion/gallery/19854/27/central-saint-martins-ba-fashion-2015
