Dezeen School Shows: a fashion collection made from reused materials that explores themes of womanhood is included in Dezeen's latest school show by students at Arts University Plymouth.

Also included is a shoe design inspired by biomaterial research and an animation project promoting engagement with natural environments.

Arts University Plymouth

Institution: Arts University Plymouth
School: Arts University Plymouth
Courses: BA (Hons) Fashion Design, BA (Hons) Graphic Design, BA (Hons) Illustration, BA (Hons) Fashion Media & Marketing, BA (Hons) Animation & Games, BA (Hons) Commercial Photography and BA (Hons) Interior Design & Styling
Tutors: Heather Martin, Matthew Thame, Sam Rowe, Benjamin Wright, Kirsty Smith, Martial Bugliolo, Gabriel Van Ingen, Cathryn Bishop and Ally Turner

School statement:

"Winner of University of the Year for South West England at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024, Arts University Plymouth offers Undergraduate, Postgraduate and Pre-Degree study across Art, Design and Digital Media.

"Founded in 1856, Arts University Plymouth is a new kind of Arts University for the 21st century, preparing graduates who are uniquely placed to provide creative solutions to complex global challenges of our times.

"A world-class ecosystem of creative resources and talented people, Arts University Plymouth was voted by students as the top arts university in the UK for overall student satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2022."

Seeds of Hope by Zara Lily McDermott

"Zara Lily McDermott is an illustrator who is passionate about creating a positive impact through her work, drawing inspiration from the natural world and human experiences.

"Seeds of Hope is a woven jacquard throw designed to represent female empowerment and community, how we support each other, share wisdom and help each other grow and become stronger.

"25-year-old Zara won the Global Challenges Award at Arts University Plymouth for her innovative zine about ethical foraging, designed to promote good health and wellbeing in a sustainable way.

"Zara and her zine also won Silver at the Creative Conscience Awards."

Student: Zara Lily McDermott
Course: BA (Hons) Illustration
Tutors: Sam Rowe and Benjamin Wright
Email: zara.mcdermott[at]outlook.com

Streetwear Fashion Photography by Josh Seal

"Josh Seal is a fashion photographer with a passion for streetwear; his contemporary approach to commercial editorial photography is reflected through his technical and creative approach.

"Originally from Derby and now based in Plymouth, 21-year-old Josh already has over three years of experience in the commercial sector through his work as a collaborator and an editor with a range of clients during his studies at Arts University Plymouth.

"Josh's keen eye for current and emerging trends in fashion as well as his commitment to diversity and inclusion are evident from his dynamic portfolio of fashion shoots, publications and client work."

Student: Josh Seal
Course: BA (Hons) Commercial Photography
Tutor: Gabriel Van Ingen
Email: jxshseal[at]gmail.com

Underworld Western Saloon by Montel Wood

"Montel Wood is a 3D artist bringing worlds and characters to life using a wide range of skills, from 3D printing and sculpting to incorporating fashion, costume and prop design in his work.

"Montel's characters embody the worlds he creates, drawing inspiration from history and pop culture.

"Montel's saloon environment model was inspired by iconic imagery from Spaghetti Westerns as well as depictions of hell in the 'DOOM' series.

"The environment was modelled and rendered in Blender, with textures developed in Substance Painter and Photoshop.

"The saloon model has a poly count of 211,916 faces, including props and assets."

Student: Montel Wood
Course: BA (Hons) Animation & Games
Tutors: Martial Bugliolo
Email: monteljwood[at]gmail.com

Narrative Film Stills by Constance Flynn

"Constance Flynn is a Commercial and Unit Stills Photographer, who is driven by a profound passion for storytelling.

"Constance aims to capture the essence of a film scene but also intrigue viewers with glimpses into the stories unfolding in her images.

"Constance's enthusiasm for creating powerful imagery has remained constant, she remains steadfast in her commitment to crafting narratives that captivate and inspire.

"During her studies, Constance acted as photographer for the Royal Television Society's Devon & Cornwall Student awards 2024, collaborated with production company Twofour, and ran workshops with The Box, Plymouth's award-winning museum and art gallery."

Student: Constance Flynn
Course: BA (Hons) Commercial Photography
Tutor: Gabriel Van Ingen
Email: constancephotography[at]hotmail.com

Amethisia by Olivia Pine

"Olivia Pine is an illustrator and concept artist specialising in environment and character design, with an interest in worldbuilding, spanning a broad range of futuristic sci-fi themes and the natural environments of alien landscapes.

"Based in Devon, Olivia creates new worlds that are grounded by environmental sciences, scientific theories and real-world cultures.

"Merging science with art, her work covers environmental themes and promotes a positive attitude towards the natural environment.

"Primarily a digital artist, Olivia works mostly in Photoshop and Procreate, alongside using Blender, 3DS Max, Substance Painter and Unreal Engine 5 to sketch complex environments or construct intricate props."

Student: Olivia Pine
Course: BA (Hons) Animation & Games
Tutor: Martial Bugliolo
Email: oliviapine[at]me.com

Kiki by Dannielle Hunter

"Dannielle Hunter is an interior designer from Manchester who weaves together colour, textures and design elements to create functional spaces that tell meaningful stories.

"Drawing inspiration from history, culture, client experiences, traditions and trends, and using this to inform every aspect of the design process, Dannielle's conceptual work 'Kiki' designs a hairdresser and training facility in Manchester to empower those with curly hair.

"Inspired by research into the spiritual ties that Nigeria's Yoruba people have to hair, Dannielle combines energising vibrant hues and soft soothing tones to shape the mood of the interiors, create atmosphere, add personality and improve wellbeing."

Student: Dannielle Hunter
Course: BA (Hons) Interior Design & Styling
Tutors: Cathryn Bishop and Ally Turner
Email: danniellehunter[at]gmail.com

Neösphera by Maddy Franklin

"Maddy Franklin is a biomaterial researcher, specialising in luxury footwear.

"Neösphera investigates sustainable materials and methods, with a focus on footwear and associated branding and communication.

"27-year-old Maddy utilises artificial intelligence to develop design inspiration, drawing from collaborations like Birkenstock x Dior and Crocs x Simone Rocha – emphasising 'quiet luxury' and 'elegant comfort' through organic shapes and material experimentation.

"Maddy aims to source bioplastic samples for shoe design experimentations – the Neösphera project seeks to revolutionise the luxury footwear market by integrating innovative biomaterials and forward-thinking design, engaging consumers who value high-quality, sustainable products."

Student: Maddy Franklin
Course: BA (Hons) Fashion Media & Marketing
Tutor: Kirsty Smith
Email: mfranklin.research[at]gmail.com

Ode by Lydia Pennell

"Lydia Pennell is a fashion designer who embraces femininity.

"Working exclusively with natural second-hand materials, the garments from Lydia's brand Rozsika are constructed using second-hand clothing and vintage materials in an attempt to minimise waste.

"Lydia's collection, named Ode, takes her love of poetry, literature and theatre, coupled with the strength and endearing sense of community with the women in her life, to create garments that offer a sense of comfort, freedom and peace.

"Lydia recently joined Arts University Plymouth's Workroom, a creative business incubation programme, supporting graduates to develop and grow the next generation of creative business start-ups."

Student: Lydia Pennell
Course: BA (Hons) Fashion Design
Tutor: Heather Martin
Email: rozsika.uk[at]gmail.com

Partnership content

This school show is a partnership between Dezeen and Arts University Plymouth. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.