Wilcom Associate Award for Fashion Runner Up

Drawing connections between her Siberian heritage and passion for performance art, Heather’s project combines an eclectic mix of techniques, including digital embroidery and screen printing. A DNA test revealed her distant Siberian roots and haplogroup U5: the first cave painters. Neolithic cave visits sparked an interest in ancient mark-making and palimpsest. Using natural ochre pigments, this project features an autumnal colour palette. Brightly saturated hues were chosen, inspired by traditional national dress and the work of Siberian fashion designer Avgustina Filippova. Heather has duplicated and enlarged her digitally embroidered motifs as layers that interact with one another.

Experiencing the thrill of seeing designs and giant marionettes come to life as a volunteer with Carnival-Arts-based organisation Global Grooves, Heather aimed to capture a sense of moving textiles. She took inspiration from the flowing garments of The Ballet Russes. Heather worked with a textile technician to design an original dress pattern and construct the garment. Highlighting the vibrancy of pattern and whirling waves of fabric, the dress inspires the wearer to feel like they’re awakening, flourishing, then fading, suggesting a narrative of rebirth. This project embodies the power of live performance that shines through to inspire and connect to audiences.