Student uses innovative printing technique to secure Leathersellers’ prize
17/08/2021
Students across fashion, textiles, art, design and architecture were briefed by leatherseller Alistair Tusting, from the Tusting leathergoods brand, in an online lecture on leather design.
Ellie Jones scooped the £1,000 first prize, after impressing the judges with a hooded cowl neck playsuit and hooded cropped jacket in suede leather.
Ms Jones, whose surface print design was inspired by the relationship between the Fibonacci sequence and the skeletal structure, used the GRDXKN [known as grid-skin] printing method, a technical ink that becomes a flexible polyurethane foam when activated by heat.
She said: “I’m so grateful to have been selected as the winner of such an exceptional prize, especially given the calibre of all the finalists.
“I’m also incredibly thankful to Munich-based founder of GRDXKN, Bastian Müller. I discovered the technology through Pinterest, and after approaching Bastian, he agreed to support my studies with such authenticity and willingness.
“Our collaboration consisted of months of video calls, learning about the grid-skin print process, design development, sampling, final print production, as well as shipping fabrics and prints between countries. I couldn’t have asked for a better working relationship during a global pandemic.”
Second prize winner Ryan Roddy was rewarded with £500 for a formal high-end men’s shoe, inspired by football boot designs.
A luxury basket bag made by weaving leather earned friends Gabrielle Nwenwu and Zara Roberts a joint third prize.
Head judge Alistair Tusting, said: “DMU students have once again risen to the challenge, showing their creative skills in the use of leather across many different disciplines.”
Image: The winning design by Ellie Jones. Courtesy of DMU
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