23 year old fashion design graduate, Sophie Parnaby, stunned as she took home a double win at this years' Graduate Fashion Awards. Standing out on the evening, Parnaby topped 2 of the awards categories - The Fashion Innovation Award and The Considered Fashion Award.
'It’s incredible to have won the awards - it feels rewarding to get recognition for the commitment I had to my work even though the current situation prevented me from creating my final collection.'
The 'unexplored potential' of 3D printing
Recognising the importance of sustainable fashion through her university studies and placement year, the graduate invested much of her time into 3D printing.
Parnaby identified environmental benefits to the use of technology within fashion design. Her sustainable studies have led to her establishing her own sustainable brand, including making 3D embellished garments, but she admits it's tough to narrow down a favourite specialism.
However, the aspiring fashion designer found her love for creating sustainable 3D digital designs during a year-long placement with top Welsh designer Julien Macdonald, where she worked on embroidery design.
Sophie said, 'It’s really intricate and technical at times, but it’s also the super creative part where you really start to see a design coming to life,' said Sophie.
The pioneering way of creating embellishments inspired her collection 'Future Mythologies', which explores 'a time where wildlife and species could be forced to evolve under new atmospheric conditions caused by climate change and pollution.'
Completing a degree during a global pandemic
Sophie was among many final year students who were given the challenge of completing their degree during a global pandemic lockdown.
'It was quite a challenge, studying a practical degree where you would usually be in the studio Monday to Friday.'
She admits it was a very tricky time for her, saying: 'goalposts had moved because of the pandemic which made it hard for a lot of graduates to even visualise the near future and its possibilities'.
The Icarus dress - Sophie Parnaby Studio (@sophie_parnaby_design)
'Future Mythologies': A futuristic, sustainable collection
Basing a lot of her studies on developing more sustainable manufacturing methods in fashion, Sophie felt strongly about 'contributing towards positive change in the industry.'
Celebrating a double win at the Graduate Fashion Awards
The Manchester Metropolitan University graduate said she noticed an inspiring shift
towards slower fashion throughout her studies, which is more considered, better quality and sustainable.
Trialling her collection's designs with restricted materials 'made me more resourceful and creative as a result,' the former student added.
The next step...
In terms of what's next, Sophie is looking to work for a socially responsible company where she can make a positive impact as a designer.
Alongside this, she is also developing her own brand and completing her graduate collection: 'It will be so satisfying to see the collection finally complete! I’m also planning on branching out into accessories and more wearable pieces which I can create bespoke for clients.'
Aside from her creative designing, Sophie enjoys running and outdoor activities with her dog Ruby. She stresses: 'hobbies like these are more important than ever during the pandemic, it really helps to get the right balance.'
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