grace chandler
Textile Design BA (Hons)
De Montfort University
Specialisms: Textiles - Mixed Media / Accessories / Textiles - Concept
Location: Leicester, United Kingdom
grace chandler
First Name: grace
Last Name: chandler
Specialisms: Textiles - Mixed Media / Accessories / Textiles - Concept
Sectors:
My Location: Leicester, United Kingdom
University / College: De Montfort University
Course / Program Title: Textile Design BA (Hons)
About
Storytelling is at the heart of my design identity which inspires me to create textile accessory designs that feel as though they have come from an imaginary world, filled with vintage characters, sweets and and elements of nature. By creating whimsical, and slightly surreal concepts, I design for a contemporary 'Kidult' consumer, by balancing nostalgic sweetness with sophistication. My designs are carefully crafted into timeless pieces that I hope to be treasured as heirlooms. I aim to explore the intersection between traditional craft and commercial design, using a range of traditional and digital techniques such as digital embroidery, vacuum forming, laser cutting and beading. Sustainability is at the forefront of my design process, as I usually work with discarded or found materials discovered in scrap stores, and these unexpected material discoveries drive my creative process. Material exploration allows me to create unique designs that feature the combination of hard and soft elements to create contrast and tactility. I enjoy blending mixed media techniques with 3D construction processes to create visually joyous and functional designs. Overall, I focus on texture, colour and material finish to create designs that feel interactive and fun, while remaining responsible and considered. Everything connects back to the 'Kidult' consumer I am designing for and the story I am trying to tell.
Bubblegum Whimsyland is a textile accessory collection that reinterprets traditional nesting dolls and draws from kitsch iconography, to cater for a contemporary ‘Kidult’ consumer whose nostalgia and longing for childhood experiences have inspired these collectable bag, jewellery, and bag charm designs. This project explores the playful nature of discovering hidden dolls, inviting a sense of curiosity reflective through the interactive and customisable designs, blending function with personality. As a multi-disciplinary designer, I have blended traditional and digital textile processes such as digital embroidery, vacuum forming, 3D fabric construction, resin, beading and laser cutting, to create a unique and timeless collection. The majority of materials used in this project have been sourced at scrap stores, and by seamlessly fusing contrasting material textures, it creates sensory joy. The techniques, materials and colours used have allowed the collection to feel hand-crafted yet refined, inviting consumers to treasure these products as heirlooms.
Competitions
Global Creative Graduate Showcase 2026
kidult curios: land of whimsy & make-believe
Kidult Curios shows a range of textile accessory concepts that feel as though they have come from a land of whimsy and make-believe. Created for a ‘Kidult’ consumer, this inspired my use of nostalgic motifs such as vintage characters, kitsch dolls, florals, hearts and bows. The themes explored link to the storytelling in fairytales and the playful nature of discovering hidden dolls, inviting a sense of curiosity and surprise reminiscent of childhood toys, Faberge eggs and blind-box collectibles. The idea of dolls being hidden amongst each other is a metaphor for hidden identities reflective of childhood memories. The bright colours and deliberately kitsch patterning using cute motifs ensures a timeless design inspired by the forms of traditional dolls and kitsch animals, reimagined for a modern consumer. I explore the intersection between traditional craft and commercial design by using a wide range of digital and traditional techniques such as digital embroidery, vacuum forming, laser cutting, beading, resin charms, hand embroidery, vinyl applique and 3D fabric construction methods. Sustainability is at the forefront of my design process, as most materials have been sourced from scrap stores which has allowed me to be inventive with the combination and application of unusual materials, giving the designs tactility and nostalgic joy. By designing and slow making with these materials, it allows plastic to become an heirloom material that helps discarded materials have longevity.
Competitions
