Hannah Buswell, 22. Ravensbourne College of Design.
Your Design Background:
During my second year at Ravensboure I did a three month placement with Cooperative Designs, working on their A/W 08 collection. During my time there I also helped them work on the Hussein Chalayan A/W 08 show, which was shown at Paris fashion week. Cooperative Designs have been really supportive during my collection and a great help so I’d really like to thank them.
What was the concept behind your collection?
The collection is originally inspired by abstract and linear drawings taken from allotments, wooden clas tree house by Baumram and the work of Ruth Root. I wanted to explore traditional knitwear techniques but update them with bold colour and graphic patterns.
Did you design your collection with a particular person in mind?
The collection is aimed at a muse I created. She’s in her early twenties and works within a creative industry. She loves big glasses, multi coloured prints and graphics knits. She’s not afraid to stand out and likes to make a statement with what she wears. She has a strong sense of fun and knows what she wants from life.
What machine(s) did you use for your collection/ or what techniques did you use?
I produced the whole collection myself using a standard gauge flat bed machine for fairisle and intarsia patterns. A chunky flat bed domestic for some of the bigger intarsia pieces as well as a 7 and 8 gauge dubied knitting machine for single knit jersey, ribs and finishing.
What inspires you?
I’m inspired by people, especially those I’m surrounded by. I also love modern architecture, the natural world and block colour.
What made you pursue knitwear?
I’ve always loved textiles and found that knitwear really challenged me as a designer, plus I think the fact that you can create your own fabric and garments is really satisfying.
Which was the most difficult garment to make out of your collection?
My collection presented a lot of challenges, mainly because I’d not really knitted many of my own garments before! Matching a lot of the patterns and planning out all the colour changes and intarsia patterns needed and extra large amount of concentration, as did hand sewing the zip into the large cardigan.
Which piece out of your collection took the longest to make?
A lot of time was spend on the fairisle patterns as colour changed needed to be made every row, this created about a zillion ends which needed hand sewing in.
What have your highest and lowest points been during your degree?
The lowest point was the lack of sleep and social life I’ve had this year, but that was completely made worth it when I saw the models going down the catwalk at Graduate Fashion Week wearing my clothes. It was amazing!
What are you’re plans for your career after graduation?
From September I’ll be attending The Royal College of Art, doing my MA in Womenswear knit.
What advice would you give to students going into their final year?
Enjoy it! It goes so fast.
What do you wish you had known at the start of university?
That fashion, especially knitwear takes over your life. I can’t even go clothes shopping anymore without turning garments inside out to find out how they were made and what they are made of.
If you could work for any designer who would it be?
Sonia Rykiel’s knitwear team. I love how fun all her designs are and how the models smile where they’re on the catwalk.
Describe your design signature in 3 words:
Graphic, colourful and young.
Can we buy pieces from your collection?
I’m not stocked anywhere, but if anyone is interesting in purchasing anything form my collection do not hesitate to contact me and we can discuss. INFO@HANNAHLOUISEBUSWELL.CO.UK
Photos by JoJo MA (hihijojo@hotmail.com) and catwalk images from catwalking.com
1 Comment
June 18, 2009 at 9:51 am
Hey Jen!
Thanks for featuring me and linking my blog you’re wonderful!
the blog’s looking great and I’m loving all the interviews.
xxx