SCHOLARSHIPS - FABRICS
Hannah Escourt and Elizabeth Fall , Year 13 students , used a year ’ s worth of fabric technology work to write a scholarship report . It required them to find an issue that was important to them and use it as the context for their report . They were encouraged to think diversely , creatively , and critically to come up with ideas that will ultimately lead to a final design and final garment .
Anytime barriers are put up in your life , they are limiting you .
Hannah ’ s focus for her scholarship report was to design and create a gender diverse garment that could be worn as a part of the school uniform and is inclusive for all genders .
From undertaking extensive research and interviewing with students , staff and community members , Hannah discovered that the current school uniform is not inclusive for all genders . It makes some feel insecure within their bodies , causing them to feel anxious and perform less well in the high school setting as a result . She realised that this garment needed to be appropriate for both the social and physical aspects of the environment of Havelock North village and the school itself . It also needed to accommodate for various figures ( masculine and feminine ).
Throughout the year , Hannah worked extremely hard to test and trial a range of materials , techniques and pattern making to find the most suitable design for her stakeholders . The final garment were trousers that had many design features that perfectly suited the needs of both masculine and feminine body shapes .
Jenni ’ s Journey “ To be well dressed is to feel well dressed .” Helen Cookman
Elizabeth focused on designing and creating a garment that was adaptive and suitable for her stakeholder to wear to work . At the start of 2022 , Elizabeth interviewed Jenni Fulford who is a teacher support working at Havelock North High School . Jenni has had her left leg amputated just below the knee . It became clear to Elizabeth that Jenni ( her stakeholder ) was needing a garment for work that allowed her the ability to get dressed easier and faster as well as be comfortable . She discovered that mainstream fashion brands don ’ t often cater to prosthetic legs in terms of accessibility and functionality , and the garments made for amputees were often a little boring and expensive .
The resulting outcome was an innovative , 80 ’ s inspired pants . Throughout her creative process , Elizabeth needed to undertake a range of material , skill and technique testing to help her make a decision that was suitable against her stakeholders specifications .
These pants are designed to allow her client , Jenni , to get dressed easier in the morning . It allows Jenni to access her leg at all times during the day with the zip down the left side seam . The knee patch is also a key feature designed to let the pants last longer for Jenni as this is a place of high friction , especially when the knee is made of stainless steel and fibreglass which would create an area prone to pilling and wear and tear over time . The elasticated waistband makes it easy to wear and helps the garment fit Jenni properly with a nice fit . The cuffs and welt pocket have a sequinned fabric , as Jenni is often inspired by the 80 ’ s fashion . The welt pockets were also made to fit Jenni ’ s phone on the front of the pants , so Jenni doesn ’ t need to carry it in her hand or bag , or they could be used to carry other things around .
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