The design which she developed during her final year at university was recognised in the UK Student Design competition. Abbey’s design was selected from hundreds of entries and chosen as the favourite design through a public vote, winning her the UK People’s Choice award. Abbey is due to receive the trophy for her artwork later this month.
The Real Leather. Stay Different design competition promotes and rewards slower and more sustainable fashion choices. The use of leather encourages sustainability as it is a by-product of meat production and readily available, which makes it more environmentally friendly than alternative synthetic materials.
She used leather as a canvas for her artistry and focused on techniques of free-hand embroidery and embossing of upcycled leather as a base for her bone-like design. This was inspired by her research and interest into the osteological development of the human form.
Abbey studied in the School of Design and Creative Arts and her projects were later recognised in the competition due to their sustainability and innovative craftwork.
Check out Abbey’s winning designs and other work on Instagram.