Dundee landmark inspires student to win fashion competition

Published On Fri 14 Oct 2016 by Cara Longmuir

A University of Dundee student found inspiration from a Dundee landmark to help win a top design competition. 

Fourth year Textile Design student Julie Mapes has won cashmere company Brora’s annual ‘Wool Week’ competition. She designed a Lambswool jumper which captures the scenic views of an industrialised British landscape, using the image of smoking chimneys set against a colourful horizon using geometric design. She took her inspiration from the buildings around her, including the Cox’s Stack in Lochee, Dundee.

Julie’s jumper is now available to buy on the Brora’s website. "Seeing something that I have designed as a real piece of clothing is an absolute thrill, I am so honoured that they have chosen my design” said Julie.

"Working on this project has been one of my most enjoyable projects to date, everything just clicked and I had a ball with it. Dundee has such a great skyline and I wanted to capture that."

Textile Design Course Director, Sara Robertson said, “We work with Brora every year and we had 15 students taking part.

“They were challenged to develop a collection of knitted samples for a jumper that fitted with their City Sky mood.

“Several of our graduates work for Brora so this collaboration continues and gives the students fantastic industry insight, experience and exposure.”

Wool Week is a week-long celebration that runs from the 10th-16th October and it aims to promote the ethical use of wool.  Retailers across the UK from leading fashion, interior and craft brands unite to highlight and educate consumers on the natural benefits of wool.  For more information about go to www.campaignforwool.org

To find out more about Julie Mapes' work follow her on Instagram - @juliemapestextiles

Brora is one of Britain’s most successful modern cashmere brands. Since its beginning in 1993 Brora has steadily grown into a full-fledged fashion label with fourteen stores, including one in New York.

For media enquiries contact:
Cara Longmuir
Media Relations Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
Tel: +44 (0)1382 385243
Email: c.z.longmuir@dundee.ac.uk