The Kingston School of Art fashion Zoey Simpson taps into the free spirit of the sixties with her sustainable capsule collection inspired by the Beatles. Inspired by ‘While my guitar gently weeps’, her collection features sustainably dyed jeans and innovative crochet techniques using tubing in exchange for yarn. The sustainable designer wanted her garment to reflect the mood of the song. Heaviness, sadness, pain. Like this collection, a lot of her collections are based on feeling, inspired by the Abstract Expressionism art movement. We had the pleasure of speaking with the Global Young Talent in light of her publication in the March issue of Harper’s Bazaar, read on to find out more!

You describe your work as Abstract Expressionism, has art always been a big influence on your work?

As someone who is drawn to textiles and has a degree in studio art, I have always used art as an inspiration for my garments. Abstract Expressionism is a huge inspiration to me, as it evokes feeling. When I create garments, I hand paint/ draw the textiles directly on the garments. I consider clothes the “canvas”. Art history, music history. I really want to express “feeling” in my garments. I like the hand of the artist. The colour choices I use to express certain feelings. I think about every little detail. I want my target market to be inspired by wearing my clothes. I want them to express their moods. I want them to BE art.

“ I have always used art as an inspiration for my garments. Abstract Expressionism is a huge inspiration to me, as it evokes feeling. When I create garments, I hand paint/ draw the textiles directly on the garments. I consider clothes the “canvas”.”

 

 

Your capsule collection is inspired by the Beatles song 'While My Guitare Gently Weeps', how is this translated into the garments?

I dug deep into the meaning of the lyrics for my inspiration in my design development. It's more of a feeling. The song is heavier and stripped back. The garment is heavy, and I used strips of denim. Picasso’s Blue Period was the inspiration behind the colour, “The Old Guitarist” specifically because it evokes sadness, and the song is about the sad times of 1968. The song uses sad minor chords. The Beatles were also inspired by Picasso throughout their career.

 

“Picasso’s Blue Period was the inspiration behind the colour, “The Old Guitarist” specifically because it evokes sadness, and the song is about the sad times of 1968.”

 

 

 

Your collection features intricate silhouettes, including crochet techniques, natural dyes as well as macrame all in an effort to be more sustainable, how is this reflected in your work?

I like to experiment with materials that aren’t used in fashion. I used leftover waste of fabric if possible and use natural and raw materials. When I make more of a name for myself, I’d like to employ individuals to help me create rather than have my work mass-produced in factories with underpaid workers. I enjoy working with natural dye and am wanting to continue developing in that.

 

 

 

What have you learnt during your time at university and what tips do you have for future fashion design students?

DON’T compare yourself to others. That doesn’t do any good and you will continuously doubt yourself. DO listen to your tutors and take their advice, but if you truly love something you did, follow your instincts more. Everyone has their own opinion, there’s no “right or wrong” when it comes to aesthetic. Find your strengths and develop them. Be open-minded. For every 100 “no’s” there’s one “yes” that makes it all worth it. Step out of your comfort zone and learn new things.

“DON’T compare yourself to others. That doesn’t do any good and you will continuously doubt yourself. DO listen to your tutors and take their advice, but if you truly love something you did, follow your instincts more.”

Discover Zoey Simpson's full collection

Words by Lupe Baeyens