graduate collection // (an angry 20 something.)

My work is a way for me to explore and interpret the Northern Irish mental health crisis facing men, with specific regards to the issue of ‘toxic masculinity’. I am heavily influenced by 70’s punk and DIY aesthetics which is translated through my exclusive use of recycled fabrics, suits and waste yarn used for crochet and knit. Through this way of drawing a line between fashion and textile art, I have aimed to examine and display both my personal experiences of how warped beliefs about what it is to be a man in Northern Irish society.

This, intertwined with the trans-generational effects of the troubles have produced populations of men who are confused as to where their identity lies, and often, take that confusion out upon those around them. My work aims to visually arrest the viewer and through the use of balaclavas and to impose the feeling of unease through the use of scale.

I Graduated with a First Class Honours Degree. in Fashion, Textile Art and Design in July 2019.

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Artist Jay Lewn Models some balaclavas made during the research process // Shot by Athina Lugez

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Distressing facts and figures from AMH (Action Mental Health) and The Mental Health Foundation illustrates how dire the mental health crisis is here in N.I.

 

Degree Show, St Annes Cathedral, May 2019. //

 

Founder and editor of 5.18 mag, Ellie Connor-Phillips on my graduate work //

Lucinda Graham is a designer, stylist, model and freelance creative from Belfast, “driven by a millennial hunger for reality in the digital age, exploring pressing social and mental health issues through various mediums.” Lucindagraham.co.uk // @lucindaggg_

I’ve been truly and utterly enraptured by her approach to fashion ever since I first saw one of the knitted balaclavas. There is something so exciting about design born beyond the London city limit - something more authentic, less prescribed, less competitive or done for clout. Lucinda’s work is fresh but naturally so, tackling current issues but through a personal lens. There is so much to be excited about in the work: social commentary, beautiful craftsmanship, attention to detail and an active interest in sustainability and ethical practice. Here Lucinda shares with 5.18 some images and work from her graduate collection, and explains about the concept and the meaning behind the designs.

“My work is a way for me to explore and interpret the Northern Irish mental health crisis facing men, with specific regards to the issue of ‘toxic masculinity’. I am heavily influenced by 70’s punk and DIY aesthetics which is translated through my exclusive use of recycled fabrics, suits and waste yarn used for crochet and knit. Through this way of drawing a line between fashion and textile art, I have aimed to examine and display both my personal experiences of how warped beliefs about what it is to be a man in Northern Irish society. This, intertwined with the transgenerational effects of the troubles have produced populations of men who are confused as to where their identity lies, and often, take that confusion out upon those around them. My work aims to visually arrest the viewer and through the use of balaclavas and to impose the feeling of unease through the use of scale.”