LAUNDRY is a Menswear Collection initially inspired by recycling fabrics found within Eastbourne District General Hospital Laundry. This led me to research into hospital wear such as surgical gowns, lab coats and joint support mechanisms. The latter translated into the garments by becoming functional extensions on sleeves and trousers. I am very interested in textiles and therefore wanted to explore ways in which I could elevate the fabrics found in the laundry, which I did by bleaching and dying, experimenting with different methods – ultimately using pegs to achieve an irregular mottled effect. Some bought fabrics were used and dyed, but I tried to ensure these were all organically, sustainably and ethically produced and this was key to the collection. The recycled hospital towelling was most successful and ultimately became the main material for one of my final jackets (Look 2). Throughout the collection, it was important for me to use fabrics and colours that felt stained, worn and old to reflect the idea of the discarded fabrics and gowns from the laundry, which were likely laundered thousands of times.
