Final year project
Glädje [Read more]
Screen printed repeat length
Screen printed cotton drill, done using three screens and pigment print paste. Imagery developed by extracting and enlarging shapes from my observational drawings.
Hand painted leather
An acrylic painted placement design on donated leather.
Digital print
A digitally edited Promarker drawing, taking inspiration from the shapes and textures of the forest floor.
Swedish forest
A Promarker drawing of the magnificent trees seen in the Stockholm archipelago.
Layers
Photocopied and enlarged sections of my drawings, worked into using pens and pencil to add more shapes and texture.
Digital repeat
A bold, over-scaled design with a hand rendered quality.
Denim screen print
Repurposed denim, screen printed using Vat and Pigment print pastes.
Repeat screen print with pull cords
Donated cotton poplin, screen printed using Procion print paste and three screens. The fabric was manipulated using pull cords: to add volume, break up the print and help visualise the piece as a garment.
Madeleine Oakley
A Fashion Print Collection based on the joy and peace found in Swedish nature.
This project has stemmed from a passion for Sweden; its culture, beautiful surroundings and aptitude for incredible design. The collection features an array of edgy and bold designs on leathers, cottons and silks.
When living in Stockholm for six months, during my placement year, I found a sense of peace in myself that I had not felt in a long time. The stunning landscapes, kindness of the people I met, and the fantastic work/life balance gave me calmness and contentment which life in the UK has never provided. The aim of the project is to translate this feeling of joy from nature and sense of equilibrium into print design.
The subject has been chosen partly in response to the confusing times we are facing in the UK. The controversial decision to leave the EU, the rise of social media and its associated pressures, and the chaos of Covid 19 have all be harmful to the mental health of many.
My work has been developed by cutting up, collaging and working back into my drawings. It is important for me to enjoy creating, as my best work is achieved when I am calm and not worried about the outcome. Multi-layered screen prints have been produced on cottons, some meticulously planned and some experimental, showing that balance is at the core of my practice. Hand painted leather designs add spontaneity and fun. Additionally, maximalist prints have been developed digitally, with care taken to retain a hand rendered and natural feel.
Where possible, cottons and leathers have been sourced from suppliers who have surplus material. This furthers the collection's focus on balance and harmony with nature, rather than depletion of the earth's natural resources.
The project has given me purpose and grounding during such uncertain times. I hope my work can invoke some Swedish balance and joy in you!
Final year project
Glädje
Awards
'20 Diploma in Professional Studies
'20 First Prize in The Worshipful Company of Dyers category in the Bradford Textile Society Design Competition.
'18 Second place in Hallmark Design Competition at University.
'18 Placed in Top 10 for Ted Baker Live Project at University.
Experience
Staff Writer for London Runway Magazine. This resulted in my articles being published in the magazine and online. I independently researched and wrote pieces on current fashion issues, developed my writing following critiques, and attended and reported on London Fashion Week.
Placements
June 2018 - November 2018
Print Design Intern (Childrenswear and License), H&M
January 2019 - March 2019
Print Design Intern, Bay and Brown
April 2019 - May 2019
Design Intern, Tatty Devine