Clothing with a conscience takes to the catwalk

Trendsetters from Kingston University’s Department of Fashion are banishing bling in favour of more timeless garments made from ethically-sourced products. The young designers, who showcased their final collections at London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall on May 28, have placed a strong emphasis on global issues and the environment. Of the array of talent on display, Poppy Dover’s collection places particular importance on leather. Many of the garments are in black leather with a ‘paprika’ accent colour. Created for the ‘sleek, sexy woman’, they are inspired by nostalgia for the 1980s and particularly by the women who dominated the decade with what Poppy refers to as their ‘masculine-femininity’, such as Madonna and Kylie. The designer feels that the stars’ use of leather garments was particularly important in conveying the ‘girl power’ message. She was further drawn to leather for its natural qualities and the fact that it improves and gains new characteristics with age and wear. Poppy is keen to continue working with leather in the future and is particularly looking for a design-oriented role which will allow her to do this.