Paul Evans, Lecturer in Leather Technology, School of Applied Sciences, initiated this donation from Pittards. ‘Pittards are well respected throughout the leather industry and are the best manufacturers of hair sheep leathers in the world. These skins will be turned into different colours and effects through Jody working with the British School of Leather Technology and my assistance to help her create her final year collection.’
Jody’s collection is inspired by ornate objects and Baroque furniture. She is specifically interested in the natural influences, such as plants and birds, used in the detail of the furniture, as well as shape. How nature has been manipulated to form such extravagant details and shapes within the furniture and how they lock and intertwine has inspired Jody to create her own shapes with leather.
Initially, her collection was going to have a black and gold theme but she is now interested in incorporating striking dashes of different colours like violet and fuchsia pink onto her leathergoods. Jody is also going to be using ornate-like fixtures to complement her leathergoods.
‘I’m producing a collection of three bags, three shoes, three gloves and three belts which all need a special kind of thin leather which I will be spraying and embellishing,’ Jody commented, ‘I’m really grateful to Pittards for their kind donation which will allow my ideas to come to life.’
Mike Dodd, Marketing Director, Pittards, said:
‘We receive a number of requests for sponsorship and were particularly pleased to be able to respond to Jody’s request as her ideas were well researched and specific to our product. We look forward to seeing the end results.’
Students from The University of Northampton will be showcased at the University’s London Graduate Fashion Week Show on Monday, 9 June, 2008 and the Northampton Graduate Fashion Show on Wednesday, 18 June, 2008. Around 26 students out of Year 3 each year get the opportunity to showcase their work on the catwalk, with other students exhibiting their designs at the events.
The University of Northampton’s Graduate Fashion Show will take place once again at Royal & Derngate, Northampton. Headline sponsors will be Schwarzkopf, in year 2 of their three-year sponsorship deal with Hensmans Salons.
