Item 2019.182.3 - Megan Williams Knitted Trousers

Look 1 of Megan Williams' University of Westminster BA (Hons) Fashion Design graduate collection. Shown at London Fashion Week on 16 February 2018 (Autumn Winter 2018-2019), Ambika P3, University of Westminster.

Williams was inspired by the book Spacesuits: The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Collection. The functionality of her collection refers to the NASA space suits their protective outerwear and tight knitted under layers.

Williams used the Westminster Menswear Archive as part of her design process, stating:
"Once I had an idea of the kind of garments I wished to reference in my collection I would usually make a few provisional visits to the archive. Covering the wider bases of shapes and details through photography and making quick sketches from these. From these visits I’d get a better idea of which garments I’d like to reinterpret. I was able to take detailed measurements and replicate patterns to toile and modernise in my own way, borrowing a beautiful sleeve shape, pocket or hood construction while maintaining the integrity of that particular garment. The archive also inspired my personal design solutions by seeing how others solve the same problem."