Meet Natasha Blair, a fashion design graduate De Montfort University. Natasha’s final project is a menswear collection called No Mans Land which were inspired by the cultural traditions she grew up with, such as attending Notting Hill Carnival each year. "No Mans Land is not only a metaphor of what was and still is happening in the world, with a war on race and equality but also the notion that people of all skin colours can come together to make a stand for justice,” she says. “The message I want my project to survey is the idea of embracing and protecting our own identity and also others.” Read on to learn more!
What is the most valuable thing you have learnt at university?
I would say the most valuable thing I learnt at university was the essence of community. On my course I witnessed amazing individuals striving to be the best that they can be, both together and as a group. It was important that we continued to encourage and support one another. During my placement year I worked at a bespoke shop called One BC, it not only taught me additional fashion-based skills, it also helped me to connect with the community and really focus on what it is they wanted from the shop. Coming from a creative background, I have found it very valuable to surround myself with people who are creative, positive and encouraging.
Tell us about your current projects and work, what have you been working on?
I have created many projects during the 4 years on my degree. My most recent one, which also happened to be my final major project is titled ‘No Man Lands’. This project was created to celebrate self expression through cultural diversity. I wanted this collection to in cooperate both traditional menswear ideals, but also allowed for a unisex feel. The collection uses a range of graphical prints and strives towards outerwear aesthetic creating urban chic garments.
What form does your final project take?
As being that my overall concept focused around embracing and protecting the body, I wanted to channel that throughout the garments. However, because of COVID-19 I was unable to make my collection which would have been four outfits. All the garments were to be quilted and in waterproof fabric which took on the idea of protection. The graphical prints were to be screen and sublimated printed to showcase the idea of embrace. The technical details were inspired by sport equipment gear such as the American football protection kit. The design aesthetic was focused around inner and outer protection by creating layers as well as transforming elements of the particular garments to create a versatile functionality.
How have you evolved as a young creative while studying / working?
In terms of personal development I have taken on more risk regarding designs and unorthodox aesthetic. This also included using new techniques, I have not previously used such as, developing a growth towards my skill in illustrator and photoshop and trying out a new creative pattern technique called surgical pattern cutting. I have also evolved by being aware of the information and media contents of fashion, art, culture and other inspiring resources to help aid my knowledge towards my work.
What are the messages and themes behind your project that you want people to take away? Do explore any topics like diversity, sustainability or politics in your work?
I would like those seeing my project to come away not only feeling the impact cultures can have on creating an identity, but also see the inclusion of other cultures and how they can be merged together, praising global and international love. The concept embarks upon; togetherness, celebration of life, identity and culture. The foundation of my idea stemmed from the Notting Hill carnival and how it was growing up with this tradition as part of my culture.
I wanted to embody how it made me feel and transfer that into my work. From the research into the origins of the carnival showing that it's roots come from riots relating to race, the title of the piece "No mans land" is not only a metaphor of what was and still is happening in the world, with a war on race and equality but also the notion that people of all skin colours can come together to make a stand for justice. Summed up the message I want my project to survey is the idea of embracing and protecting our own identity and also others.
What’s an aspect of the fashion industry that you’re passionate about fixing or having a positive impact on?
For my dissertation, I researched clothes as a language and the relationship we have with it. Our lives are deeply rooted in what we wear and often we can not leave the house without thinking about our clothes. What we wear can dictate how we feel and how people see us, we often buy more than we need to, indulging in unnecessary garments to fulfil societies expectation. I would like to explore the minimalist lifestyle, the idea of reusing and up-cycling clothes over 100 times is increasingly fascinating and globally aware, which makes it more important to make that the new norm.
What is your plan for the future?
I have a strong interest in menswear as well as unisex clothing and I would like to seek out work within film and costume. I took an interest in menswear when I started to wear men’s clothing and styled it with women’s clothes, I admired the aesthetic of men's clothes and the technical values it has. My interest for film and costume comes from growing up and till this day I love watching films and analysing the characters garments. A few of my favourites are; Hunger games, Star Wars and Marvel. I admire what clothing can add to a character in action. Overall, I plan to continue to utilise my skills, knowledge and the experience I have gained to strive for a job that suits my creative background in Fashion Design which follows through to specialising in menswear design and pattern cutting.