Designer Forum Celebrates the Diversity of its Creative Members
Designer Forum demonstrated the breadth of the talent of its members recently through a collaborative project which brought together a wide range of creative individuals culminating in an exciting photoshoot.
Creative collaboration
Every item featured in the shoot (ranging from fashion, furniture to ceramics) was the work of Designer Forum members. Even the photographer, the models and the stylists were members who all contributed the items and gave their time for free.
Student and graduate members got the opportunity to work with established professionals from a variety of disciplines to develop ideas, share skills and work as a team. All were members of Designer Forum, a Nottingham based membership organisation which provides inspirational resources, guidance, events and training for designers and creatives working in fashion, textiles and other design led industries.
Trend Forecasting
Inspired by long term trend forecasts researched in the Designer Forum library, NTU furniture and product design graduate, Paul Dack, designed and built Velouria for his degree show, walking away with first class honours and best in year. The wardrobe is a whole dressing room experience designed to bring back joy of the dressing experience and has already attracted a lot of attention at recent design shows such as New Designers and 100% Design
Diverse skills
Members were keen to give their time for free and contribute examples of their work for the project. Textile graduates' work sat alongside luxury kimonos worth thousands of pounds and a newly launched lingerie brand was complimented by hosiery provided by some Designer Forum's larger company members, all of whom are based in the East Midlands region. Umbrellas and hand made scarves sat happily with bespoke bridal gowns and reproduction vintage fashion nestled with intricate lace necklaces and hand printed wool cushions. Initially the plan was for one 'scene' but so many members had so much to contribute that it grew to 3 stories, Vintage Traveller, Dark Glamour and Candy Girl.