Arts Thread

The name of this collection comes from my research into Post humanistic philosophy, and the idea that concepts like AI were once only thing in dreams, but now it’s found in most, if not all of our modern day industries. The development of this technology echoes a future of existence beyond human. Each book in the collection is named after a song from the band Starset, which is the band that inspired the idea of the whole project. Starset are a cinematic, sci fi rock band with a fictional world that has links to real world examples of dystopia. For example, in this world, humans have BMI (Brain Machine Interface) that is eerily similar to the Neuralink brain reading threads that Elon Musk developed. From this research, I explored post humanistic philosophy (where does the human end and the ‘other’ begin). This philosophy inspired a lot of fashion collections, particularly those of Alexander McQueen. I also briefly explored the opposing theory of Transhumanistic Philosophy (improving natural human characteristics through biotechnology and cognitive modifications) which links back to the works of people like Musk. The entire collection is made from scrap denim and Leather fabric, with the exception of the lining fabric in two costumes, none of the fabric was brand new. However, all of the fabric used is sustainable and used in environmentally conscious ways to produce the smallest amounts of waste possible. The materials of choice were largely inspired by the fashion company Demobaza, a company who Starset have used in the past to source parts of their stage costumes. I have tried to ensure the collection does not discriminate against any individual or group. Inclusivity is important to me as a designer and so all of my work is genderless and can be worn by any individual or group of people who would wishes, regardless of race, gender or other backgrounds. However, the target audience for this collection is Musicians, with the intention being that they are suitable for stage wear or in music videos. Essentially, my graduate collection challenges the oversaturation of Artificial Intelligence in design work and the creative industries

Echoes of a Posthuman Dream Look book Photographer: Amber Rose Creative, Models: E. Bullas Conor Sturmey Rheaben Patel

While in my second year of university, I undertook a work placement with Birmingham based company, Love Leanne Clothing. While on this placement, I was given the task of recreating one of Leanne’s existing corsets by using a pattern Leanne made. ( https://www.instagram.com/loveleanneclothing?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== )

In my second year of university, I had my tailored Menswear jacket used in an in house exhibition.

final major project for my art and design foundation year. My chosen context was the History of the Priory Theatre- A small theatre I was a member of at the time of this project. I created two pantomime dame style costumes inspired by the fire that happened at the theatre in 1976. the final work was displayed in an exhibition set up which was open to the public.

This is a collection of garments I have made either for myself, or for others. this includes: -peasant blouses (made from old pillow cases and cot sheets) - circle skirt (made from an old table cloth) - trousers/ shorts - summer dress. these all are made using secondhand fabrics, either from scrap stores, donation or charity shops.

A collaboration between Elmhurst X BCU Fashion/ Costume. We had the fantastic opportunity to collaborate with Elmhurst Ballet School to create costumes for their graduate class performance of À La Mode. These shows were performed at the Shaw Theatre in London, and at Elmhurst School. The costumes are based on Shakespeare plays, mine being influenced by Richard III. We had to design conceptual dance costumes by bringing the plays historical themes into a modern, contemporary setting. The costumes combine creative cutting and zero waste pattern cutting techniques to bring a more sustainable conscious approach to creating a costume. Credits: •Photographer: Olivia Hyde @olivia.cmhydephotography •Print Design: John Hall @johnhallpainting •Hair and Make Up: Katy Bird @Katybirdmakeup • EImhurst Ballet School @elmhurstballetschool •BCU Fashion Design @BCU_fashion

In February 2023, I worked on Blithe Spirit at The Priory Theatre. For this production I made the dress for the ghost of Charles Condomine's first wife, Elvira. I made the pattern myself only using the actresses measurements and the directors instruction of the dress needing to have big sleeves and must be the ghostly green colour. Credits: Photographs: Steve Vent. Elvira costume design and creation: Amber Edmunds. Model: Lauren Schumacher. Production: Blithe Spirit, Priory Theatre 2023.

For the 2023/2024 priory theatre Pantomime, Dick Whittington, as well as being the head of Wardrobe for this show I made a nautical headpiece for the Dame by restyling a wig. Credits: Production photograph: Steve Vent Making photographs: Amber Edmunds Headpiece creator: Amber Edmunds. Actor: Steve Bingham. Production: Dick Whittington, Priory Theatre 2023/2024.