Jasmin Honeyball's success in winning the GFW24 Childrenswear Award showcases her talent and dedication in the field of fashion design. This achievement not only highlights her creativity but also the quality of education provided by the University of Central Lancashire. It serves as an inspiration for other students and aspiring designers to pursue their passion and strive for excellence in the industry.
What is the most valuable thing you have learned at university?
The most valuable thing I learned at university is to be free to explore and have fun finding my creative style. Since the first year, my love for surface patterns and all things children's wear has blossomed. I am more fluent in trying out new printing techniques to come up with the best ways to tell stories through my prints. I love to use traditional printing techniques to create unique motifs and add a modern twist to old-school printing methods to create new and exciting prints for children to enjoy.
What was the starting point of inspiration for your final project?
My starting point of inspiration was thinking back to what I enjoyed when I was a child. I thought back to my camping holidays with my family and wanted to replicate my love of adventure through my children's collection. I want to inspire children’s creativity by inviting them to explore the world of nature and educating them about the beauties of the natural world. As the price of holidays abroad continues to rise, many parents are turning to UK holidays, such as camping trips and glamping. I wanted to make a collection that brings back excitement to camping holiday adventures that children can learn from while also having fun. Embark on a thrilling journey with our enchanting children's collection and accessories, ‘Little Explorers.' This whimsical ensemble invites young adventurers to discover the wonders of nature, camping, and exploration. Follow my intrepid characters as they explore lush meadows, mysterious woodlands, and babbling brooks, collecting badges that mark their exciting achievements. 'Little Explorers’ is a celebration of curiosity, instilling in children a love for nature, camaraderie, and the thrill of embarking on their own adventures in the picturesque landscapes of the English countryside.
What form did your project take?
My 'Little Explorers' Collection will feature fun children's camping attire, including two overalls, one unisex for ages 6 to 7, and one for girls ages 4 to 5. I will be making 3 unisex sweatshirts, ranging from 4 to 7. I will be knitting 2 beanies with digital embroidery badges and 3 plain t-shirts with detachable digital embroidery badges. I will also have printed Wellington boots, printed socks, and a printed drawstring bag.
What materials have you used, and how did you source them?
My fabrics are all printed with my own patterns, and the overalls are made from breathable waterproof fabric with a polar fleece lining to ensure that the children wearing them are warm but can also have fun in the wet English countryside without the worry of getting wet.
How has it evolved from your initial ideas, and what have you learned along the way?
My initial ideas for the project were to produce a children's illustrated camping story book to accompany the collection. I researched illustration and writing stories; however, I thought of a children's activity book that could be more iterative and encourage children to use their creativity to interact with the collection more. This book includes stickers, puzzles, facts, and drawing space for children. It also includes drawings and motifs that are from the prints used throughout the collection. I also feel that my digital skills in pattern making have flourished through the making of my collection. From scanning my traditionally printed drawings and turning them into digitised pattern repeats, I am now able to create seamless designs through Adobe Illustrator.
What are the messages and themes behind your project that you want people to take away?
My children's camping collection embodies the spirit of adventure and creativity, offering families a chance to rediscover the joys of the great outdoors without venturing far from home. As the cost of living continues to rise, many are opting for local holidays, finding comfort and excitement in the natural beauty that the UK has to offer. This collection not only provides practical camping wear designed for young explorers but also inspires a sense of wonder and exploration. By embracing local adventures, families can create lasting memories, turning simple outdoor activities into extraordinary experiences that nurture creativity and joy. Finding adventure in places close to home.
What’s an aspect of the fashion industry that you’re passionate about fixing or having a positive impact on?
Creating sustainable designs for children that bring joy to their lives also serves as an invaluable educational tool, teaching them about the environment and the importance of preserving nature. Slow-fashion clothing lines, crafted from sustainable materials and produced through ethical practices, not only appeal to children with their fun and vibrant designs but also instill a sense of environmental responsibility. By wearing and learning about sustainable fashion, children develop an early appreciation for the planet and the impact of their choices. This awareness fosters environmentally conscious behaviours that they carry into adulthood, helping to ensure that future generations prioritise and protect our natural world. As the fashion industry embraces sustainability, it plays a key role in educating young minds and promoting a culture of conservation and respect for nature.
What are you planning to do following your BA?
Following my BA, I want to continue creating designs that make people smile and continue growing my digital skills in order to one day have my own children's clothing brand. I want to create more designs in my free time to continue developing my skills and working for design companies that can help me learn more about the industry so I can one day create my own brand from the knowledge I have gained from working with companies in the industry.
