The Uncommonist is a young UK designer driven by subversive and conceptual tailoring. Drawing inspiration from human emotion, history, and nature; their work brings surrealistic approaches to sculptural shapes and fluid lines. Their latest collection, The Awakening, explores the neurodivergent mind and is inspired by their own struggles in overcoming neuro-developmental conditions. The collection looks to escapism, neutral colour palettes and strong tailoring.
Tell us a bit about yourself, what inspired you to pursue fashion?
I’m not academic so creativity has been my outlet from an early age. I have drawings from as early as 12 years old of my own designs, looking back it was always going to transpire.
The pandemic has been impactful on everyone in different ways. How has the pandemic changed or shaped your practice? Is there anything you’ve learned or anything you do differently now
During this time my practice allowed me to focus and escape the realities of the current state of the world. Honing my skills learning to appreciate working independently.
Your most recent collection is beautiful and angelic with strong structural silhouettes, what inspired the textures and shapes you’ve explored here?
This is my graduate collection and is extremely personal. Firmly rooted within navigating through the complexities and hardships of life and overcoming this. Vulnerability is explored through the construction of the spiral suit, exposing bare skin in certain areas. Each look has its own story to tell. Gradually transitioning into the final look of the wings, symbolising strength and determination above all. There is strength within vulnerability.
Is there any piece that is your favourite, and why?
The mechanical wings. Referencing a sense of freedom, breaking away from society’s stereotypes and norms.
Are there any new techniques that you’ve learned while creating this collection that you will take further into the future?
The wings. As I had to learn and work with tech, something I had no previous experience with gaining a new-found skill.
What was the process of creating them like? What new skills did you need to learn to create them and what was that experience like? We’re there any difficulties you experienced in this process. How did you overcome them?
The process was very rigorous it took a long 6 months. I built it from start to finish, it involved a lot of trial and error. From learning to work with technology, dozens of prototypes and a lot of in depth research. It serves as a reminder if I can get through that process I can get through anything.
Where do you see yourself taking your work into the future? Do you see your work being commercially accessible or prefer it to be more avant-garde? Where do you see your work being sold?
One rarely exists without the other. Juxtaposing the two. I would be honoured to be stocked at any retailer. Dover Street Market and Harrods would be interesting, I’ve visited here for many years. I’m more inspired by everyday events in life. However I was inspired to begin my own journey by the late Lee McQueen. He ignited a deep curiosity within me.
What advice would you give to other young designers or students wanting to pursue a career in fashion?
Be yourself unapologetically. This will help in the future, to articulate who you are and why you started.
You can follow The Uncommonist’s work on their Instagram page @theuncommonist.
