A short summary of your project

Im raising money to fund the diffusion line of my graduate collection. During my final year I created six looks realising the characters and themes inspired by Gioachino Rossinis melodrama opera "La Gazza Ladra". Translating to "The Thieving Magpie", this adaptation of the story traces the lives of birds, widows and crooks alike, realising their wardrobes and using sentimental objects to inspire looks. 

who are you?

I am a fashion design student at Kingston School of Art, specialising in womenswear.

Your story

Most of the collection was made from second hand silks and chiffons, I spent days charity shopping and scouring online to sustainably acquire a range of silk scarves and old silk garments that I would unpick, over-dye, cut and sew to make my designs. Despite being time consuming, this slow process of making clothes through repurposing reduces demand for new fabrics, and pays homage to the fabrics former life encapsulated in new designs. 

where will the money go?

The diffusion line will be a capsule collection, comprising of simplified versions of some of the garments in my final collection. I intend to carry on the same practices using second hand silks to make the clothing from. Each garment will be unique due to the second hand sourcing and I have received interest from potential customers. I would like to start by making a batch of 25 silk tops and 25 silk skirts to sell online via my website I am also currently making. 

• Second hand silk scarves and clothes, (2 x joblot dead-stock bundles for £200, £111.40 second hand sourcing, total: £511.40)
• Dead stock jersey for trimmings (4 x £4 per meter, total: £16) 
• Gutermann poly cotton thread 300m (3 x £4.20, total :£12.60)
• 50 copies of printed labels (total: £10)
• Specialist silk seamstress (at £30 an hour x 15 hours, total: £450 ) I will be doing most of the sewing but a specialist is required for certain tricky areas. 

Totalling at £1000, this money would be a huge help in the initial investment of the second hand silks. Should this go well and the garments sell, I would like to continue the small batch production.

Rewards

As a thank you, I would like to send you a printed copy of my look book and include you in the credits of my website. Any donations are greatly appreciated.