Jenni Gibson

About

Originally from Northern Ireland, Jenni is a knitwear designer currently based in London. Prior to starting her Masters, she worked between Paris and London gaining valuable knitwear experience before deciding to explore her craft further at the RCA. As a designer she values craftsmanship, often trying to find a different way to achieve a unique detail or a finish. 

Statement

My work for this project explores a narrative which extolls the beauty of the ordinary day-to-day, recognising a need to take a more mindful approach to the fashion industry. 

Starting with a desire to create something from nothing, I used the diagonal shape of a shadow found entering my flat in the morning to inform the initial stages of my process. This reminded me of the famous Edward Hopper painting, titled, ’Morning Sun,’ 1952, and opened up my research into female stereotypes from this era.  

An undertone of nostalgia can be felt throughout, with vintage knit and film references from the 1950s through to the 1970s. I have utilised a colour palette of subtle and nuanced shades, approaching material and colour with a sensitive eye for qualities that express the mundane.

My creative process for this project applies my technical knowledge of knitting to familiar wardrobe pieces, reinterpreting the shape via non-conventional knitting techniques that give the garment a modern identity.  

Due to the nature of my work being fine gauge and requiring specialist equipment I have had to postpone the making of my final looks. I will be using the summer to complete certain pieces and, furthermore, enjoy the final stages of my process. 

'Morning Sun'

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