Chloe Daniels tells the story of how a simple museum visit can spiral so far that it evolves into a dapper menswear collection. Taking inspiration from human anatomy, the Bath Spa alumna delved deeper into the world of medicine and the result? A modular menswear collection that doubles up as a form of therapy where we dare to wear our fears. Since her graduation, she has been featured in the October issue of Harper’s Bazaar UK and is currently establishing her own namesake brand, reworking scrapes and old fabrics into a fully-sustainable collection.
1. Tell us a bit about yourself, you’re graduated from Bath Spa University in fashion design in 2019, how has your life changed since then?
When I graduated, I was focused on creating my own brand. I had no idea where to start so I looked for internships to gain experience. I lived in London for the summer and interned for a fashion house based in Dalston. After this, I worked as a seamstress for a festival brand in Bristol. This was a lot of fun and it was interesting to see how different brands run their businesses. Currently, I’m in the process of setting umps own brand and am excited to learn more!
"I came across a book in the library, discussing the history of men in skirts, I found this very fascinating and decided to write my dissertation on the topic."
2. Your menswear collection fuses masculinity with more typically regarded as feminine fabrics, what inspired you to explore the gender boundaries?
I came across a book in the library, discussing the history of men in skirts, I found this very fascinating and decided to write my dissertation on the topic. With this topic on the background, I was researching my collection and naturally, I wanted to challenge ideas and notions surrounding toxic masculinity.
3. The main concept dealt with in the human anatomy, why did you op for this subject and how is this reflected in your designs?
The human anatomy is very inspiring, I was initially gripped by the patterns and colours found in our body. I started to paint big bold prints inspired by these muscles and organs, this spiralled and ultimately I became more interested in the darker sides of the medical environment. I started to explore our fears within hospitals and in relation to this, I looked at diseased blood cells through a microscope which helped me to develop interesting textures and fabric manipulations. All these details and topics fed into the main concept: wearing our fears as a form of therapy.
"I became more interested in the darker sides of the medical environment. I started to explore our fears within hospitals and in relation to this, I looked at diseased blood cells through a microscope which helped me to develop interesting textures and fabric manipulations."
4. Your collection is made from scraps, and old clothing, is sustainability something you feel strongly about when designing?
I started working on my new collection during self-isolation and was forced to use the materials I had lying around at home, it really dawned on me, the ease with which you can work more sustainably. This past year in particular, I have learnt so much about the impact that fashion has on the environment. I wish I was more informed on the topic sooner, however it’s never too late to learn and make changes.
5. What have you learnt during your time at university and what tips do you have for future fashion students?
I had to learn a lot, when I started in my first year I had no clue how to sew. The most important lesson is to push myself out of my comfort zone. I found my years at university incredibly challenging but they were equally rewarding and exciting! My advice to future fashion students would be to go out and look for inspiration, practice your weaknesses, take advantage of the facilities around you, and be sustainable!
"My advice to future fashion students would be to go out and look for inspiration, practice your weaknesses, take advantage of the facilities around you, and be sustainable!"
Discover Chloe Daniels' full collection
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Words by Lupe Baeyens
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