Western Heritage
by Rhiannon Wadsworth
This is a look from my Summer/Resort Mini-collection that I designed in school at FIT. We were asked to design a mini-collection with sustainability in mind, taking notes from notable designers, such as Eileen Fisher, who has made major strides in bettering this industry ethically.
This was particularly meaningful for me because of two reasons: 1- This was something much different than what I typically design.I wanted to design something inspired by my roots. I am a West Coast girl, originally from Salt Lake City, Utah. I spent my life wanting to escape this environment and escape to a fast-paced, modern, city life. Only to grow older and wiser and realize how fortunate I was to grow up in a place like that. I was raised in a very Western-influenced household with a lot of Native American culture in the family. My grandparents drove Harley Davidson motorcycles, had a teepee in their backyard, and animals mounted everywhere!
2- As an animal lover and a vegetarian, I wanted to utilize the inspiration, while making it animal and eco friendly. Many people argue that eliminating the fur and leather industry reduces jobs. But I would disagree to an extent. Because with new technology comes new jobs as well. Producing high-tech fabrics requires bright minds. Not to mention, the leather and fur industry is very harmful to our environment.
While this mini-collection is not 100% sustainable, it has incorporated sustainable measures, with half of the garments in the designed collection being simple shapes using simple patters with less seaming. But what is really remarkable about this line is the technology in the fabrication. The main fabric in this line is Ultrasuede, which not only looks and feels like Suede, but it is machine-washable, doesn't fray, and is made up of poly-fibers derived from recycled plastic bottles.
by Rhiannon Wadsworth
This is a look from my Summer/Resort Mini-collection that I designed in school at FIT. We were asked to design a mini-collection with sustainability in mind, taking notes from notable designers, such as Eileen Fisher, who has made major strides in bettering this industry ethically.
This was particularly meaningful for me because of two reasons: 1- This was something much different than what I typically design.I wanted to design something inspired by my roots. I am a West Coast girl, originally from Salt Lake City, Utah. I spent my life wanting to escape this environment and escape to a fast-paced, modern, city life. Only to grow older and wiser and realize how fortunate I was to grow up in a place like that. I was raised in a very Western-influenced household with a lot of Native American culture in the family. My grandparents drove Harley Davidson motorcycles, had a teepee in their backyard, and animals mounted everywhere!
2- As an animal lover and a vegetarian, I wanted to utilize the inspiration, while making it animal and eco friendly. Many people argue that eliminating the fur and leather industry reduces jobs. But I would disagree to an extent. Because with new technology comes new jobs as well. Producing high-tech fabrics requires bright minds. Not to mention, the leather and fur industry is very harmful to our environment.
While this mini-collection is not 100% sustainable, it has incorporated sustainable measures, with half of the garments in the designed collection being simple shapes using simple patters with less seaming. But what is really remarkable about this line is the technology in the fabrication. The main fabric in this line is Ultrasuede, which not only looks and feels like Suede, but it is machine-washable, doesn't fray, and is made up of poly-fibers derived from recycled plastic bottles.
Designer & Stylist: Rhiannon Wadsworth (NYC)
MUA: Cami Talbot (SLC)
Model: Kristen Marie Jensen (SLC)
