Josie Gomersall

Our Scottish waters hold an abundance of sea life. Beneath the surface lies another world, strange and wondrous. Through exploration of gathered sea kelp and underwater photography that captures anemones and cold-water coral, I became fascinated by this beautiful underwater world and wanted to highlight the importance of these fragile ecosystems. Awareness is the first step towards behaviour change. Our actions impact these environments, and we can all take steps to play a positive role in their protection. 

My fabrics are designed to sit within the outdoor/sportwear sector and brands such as Moncler, Salomon and Collingwood Norris have inspired this direction. My initial visual research led me to gather research around padding and achieving warmth and functionality through textiles to create a durable and lasting product. Throughout my work I consider sustainability by creating a trans-seasonal product that is designed to last, while also creating a fashionable streetwear accessory. Research into materials appropriate for the outdoors was important to achieve functionality; my designs incorporate monofilament, merino and mohair which provide good base layers in bad conditions and reflective cords to enhance visibility. My final product combines outdoor wear with a bold streetwear aesthetic taking a contemporary approach to Scottish design. The final collection is showcased as a range of hats and snoods combining style and functionality.