A while ago design student Hannah Howell approached us about using some of our reflective Lumatwill tweed for her degree project. We have been so impressed by the outcome that we thought we would share an interview with her. I’m sure she would be delighted if you would like to email her to learn more or offer her a job! <hannahmhowell@btinternet.com>

Tell us about yourself:

After completing an Art Foundation at Manchester School of Art, I realised that I had a fascination for the craftsmanship behind clothing design. While I enjoyed being creative I was looking to invent something functional and practical for everyday use. Encouraged by a love for the outdoors, my choice to study BA Sportswear Design at Falmouth University was even better justified due to its location on the beautiful and inspiring Cornish Coast, which I also felt a sense of nostalgia towards after spending many summer holidays in Cornwall with my family. Here, I was able to translate my skills in art and design into devising innovative garments where use and function could be equally as important as aesthetic.

Tell us about your project:

While researching my dissertation on design activism, I soon came to realise that for a product to be truly sustainable, it not only has to be designed to be durable and timeless but also must be treasured and cared for by the consumer. As someone who personally enjoys the freedom and health benefits of cycling, I realised that encouraging this highly accessible mode of transportation also aligns with my views on sustainable living. This is further reinforced by data showing that during the first UK lockdown, cycling increased by up to 300%, while air pollution was found to have decreased (sources: Cycling Industry News, The Guardian). Through initial research, I began to realise that much of the commuter cycling clothing (functionally designed to be worn both on and off the bike, particularly with work in mind)that is currently on the market, catered more towards men and there are very limited forms of stylish and elegant garments specifically for women’s commuter cycling. With this knowledge I felt inclined to create a collection of facilitating and functional clothing for professional women to allow them to feel confident to travel by bike wherever they might need to go, whilst also encouraging more conscious, considered and enjoyable lifestyles enabled by a bicycle.

The collection is comprised of three timeless outfits:

1. A Cycling Cape that can be worn over a bicycle. 2. Cycling suit consisting of a double breasted jacket that can be hung off the rider’s back whilst cycling, curved side seam trousers and a boiled wool safety tabard. 3. A Gilet with dual entry pockets and shorts.

Through the use of Dashing Tweeds’ Lumatwill reflective tweed, I was able to add safety features such as visibility which is essential for commuter cycling. Due to the innovative design of the Raver Wave tweed it allows garments to appear both elegant and suitable for everyday wear but also bright and visible at night when cyclists are less likely to be noticed by traffic. Performance tailoring is a key aspect of the collection so that garments are designed to be both elegant and functional, bridging the gap between professional work wear and sportswear. Not only does this make the clothing a better fit for the purpose of a bicycle commute, it also prevents the consumption of unnecessary clothing for different purposes. Combining this with fabrics such as Halley Stevensons’ waxed cotton, which evolves over time presenting the beauty of ageing through folds and creases. As well as renewable performance fibres such as Tencel and wool, repairability and garment maintenance is not only made easier but also celebrated and made more appealing.

Photos by Jade Smith

My plans for the cape:

I have no definite plans for the Cycling cape at the moment, however I hope to continue to use it to promote women’s commuter cycling and to encourage people to consider the lifecycle of their clothing. What I would like to do next: I have recently received my results and am very excited to be graduating with a First Class degree! I’m now looking forward to embarking on a career in forward-thinking, responsible and innovative design and am eager to bring the skills and knowledge that I have developed over the past 3 years into industry.