Izzy McCormac

I AM REALLY A KITE, BA Fashion (Womenswear), Country and Town House Regeneration Winner, 2024

My collection ‘I AM REALLY A KITE’ is inspired by the British seaside, my childhood home. Through six distinct looks, I aim to capture the emotion and movement of being swept up by the wind, evoking a child-like, untainted feeling of joy. Using an experimental process-driven approach, I push the boundaries of traditional garment design by working with paper. Just like a child, I make something with all my passion and conviction but with no worries of what happens next – I do it because I love it.

In our current climate, designers have a responsibility to address societal issues. The fashion industry often leans towards dystopian themes, overshadowing joy and lightness. My exploration offers an alternative, focusing on joy. When discussing sustainability, many brands emphasise environmental aspects, overlooking economic and social sustainability. True impact requires balancing all three pillars.

This project challenges industry norms, questioning the true meaning of our clothes. I crafted the collection entirely from paper sourced from the Scrap Store, a charity in South London, and waste pleating paper from Ciment Pleating in North London. Valuing each material was crucial, considering its significance to my project and its potential to inspire and advance my practice. Each piece is handcrafted and can be reverted to pulp, ready to become new paper for future projects.

Collaborating with young creatives, including choreographer Casper Dillen and talented dancers from prestigious dance schools worldwide, brought this collection to life. My work is meant to be shared and enjoyed by all, creating moments of joy and freedom from everyday worries. I aim to continue my practice, sharing my passion for craft and finding joy in every aspect of my work.

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