A talented young fashion graduate from Heriot-Watt is causing a stir after creating a range of paper garments from the pages of romance novels.
Using fairytales as her inspiration, 23-year-old Suzanne Hamilton €™s creations include a floor-length gown complete with train, constructed using almost 6000 paper circles.
She sourced second-hand romance novels from local charity shops, and then glued the pages together to create large 6x7 €˜paper sheets €™ and laser cut the delicate designs.
Recyclable Fairytale
Demonstrating the stark contrast between the idea of fairytale luxury and the rawness of the recycled materials the designer uses.
Suzanne commented: "I really wanted to show that clothing can be reused and given new life, rather than thrown out. The fairytale dresses I €™ve created show that something luxurious and romantic can be created using the most basic materials, materials which we throw away every day."
"I €™m heavily influenced by the work of designers like Stephan Haan and Gary Harvey who both specialise in paper couture. I really wanted to use environmentally-friendly materials as I €™m passionate about using eco-fashion to help address the need for environmental change."
An overarching theme of Suzanne €™s entire collection is the need for the fashion industry to be more environmentally aware.
I really wanted to show that clothing can be reused and given new life, rather than thrown out. The fairytale dresses I €™ve created show that something luxurious and romantic can be created using the most basic materials, materials which we throw away every day
Suzanne, originally from Argyll, graduated from Heriot-Watt University €™s School of Textiles and Design earlier this year with a 1st Class Honours in Fashion Technology and has already secured a number of opportunities to exhibit her creations.
Having gained a fabric sponsorship from leading ethical clothing retailer Offset Warehouse, Suzanne is now focusing on her future and looking for a job.
"I would love to design quirky, wearable pieces like those in Topshop but I would ultimately like my own fashion business one day, specialising in eco-fashion."
Suzanne €™s collection has already attracted attention with an invitation to showcase her garments at the Inspire the Attire 2 Fashion Event in Glasgow on 17 August.
She has also been selected to appear at the Hawick Border Textile Towerhouse €˜Futures in Excellence €™ exhibition in October.