The partnership and student competition between The British Fashion Council, Richard Malone and Ananas Anam asked students to develop a capsule collection with materiality at its core. Out of 17 applications across 11 institutions, 6 finalists were shortlisted to present their collections to the judging panel which consisted of Dr Carmen Hijosa, the BFC and Richard Malone.
The winner was announced at Graduate Preview Day at the Ace Hotel in Shoreditch as Brian Mc Lysaght from Edinburgh College of Art.
Brian’s exquisite, innovative 6-piece collection and profound research which secured his win explored the negative environmental impact the Fashion Industry has and was aesthetically influenced by the study of subsistence economics and early civilisations.
His collection gained even more attention at Graduate Fashion Week where Brian went on to win 3 more prestigious awards: the Christopher Bailey Collection of the Year Award, the Considered Design Award and the Hilary Alexander Trailblazer award.
The future looks bright for this young rising star who aims to change the footprint of the fashion industry.
Image below:
Judith Rosser-Davies Head of Government Relations & Education at the BFC, Dr Carmen Hijosa, Founder of Ananas Anam and creator of Piñatex, Sarah Mower MBE, Fashion Journalist & Nina Marenzi, Founder & Director at The Sustainable Angle
In the winner, Brian Mc Lysaght's own words…
What does it mean to you to work with Piñatex?
Working with Piñatex has been an amazing experience, I have found learning about the Ananas Anam company to be incredibly educational. Studying the background and development of Piñatex fabrics lead me to discover Cradle-to-Cradle design which proved very influential to my own practise. I found the repurposing of agricultural waste into innovative textiles to be so inspiring and was truly impressed with the development of technology to make the agricultural processes carried out by farmers in the Philippines much easier and more productive, like the mechanisation of decortication techniques.
It was such an honour to have my work in developing sustainable textiles as an undergraduate design student recognised by such an esteemed company. I was delighted to have been given the opportunity to meet Dr Carmen Hijosa, and to discuss textile development with someone who’s work I had appreciated for years.
Working with the non-woven leather-alternative turned out to be much easier than expected. I was pleasantly surprised by Piñatex’s versatilely and durability despite its unconventional plant-based nature.
What is the best thing that has come out of learning about Piñatex and other sustainable materials?
Learning about the innovations in sustainable fashion development inspires hope for the future of the fashion industry. Its is amazing to see how quickly enormous fashion brands like H&M are ready to incorporate sustainable textiles like Piñatex into their productions. Companies like Ananas Anam and their wonderful products provide solutions to the detrimental affects of the fashion industry on human health and the environment. Learning about the constant drive to create a healthier and sustainable future for our fashion systems leads me to believe that better days are to come!
Learn more about Brian Mc Lysaght here.
A Runner Up Award was given to Maria Streang, Arts University Bournemouth
In Maria’s own words…
What does it mean to you to work with Piñatex?
In my opinion working with Piñatex means experimenting. The fabric is versatile and suitable for a diverse range of textile treatments. It is a joyful and exciting experience, being able to create unconventional garments and take care our planet in the same time.
What is the best thing that has come out of learning about Piñatex and other sustainable materials?
My final major project, haha just joking, the most important part of learning about those fabrics was applying them to a real case scenario. Showing that integrating sustainable practices in your work is not as hard or scary as young designers might believe. I feel that many fashion students get put off by the material or time costs when it comes to sustainable fashion choices. Sometimes it is as easy as choosing linen over cotton, or wooden buttons over plastic ones, or coming to the conclusion that a leather alternative is not the best option if it is plastic based. Little things that make a big change!
