Jessica debuts her Inuit-inspired collection for Graduate Fashion Week

Fur teamed with silk are two contrasting fabrics that University of Northampton Fashion student Jessica Jeffs has married together to create her Inuit-inspired collection for this year’s Graduate Fashion Week.

The 21-year-old from Northampton recently completed an internship with Hockley, a leading fur and design house based in London, after being chosen as a finalist for the British Fur Trade Association’s (BFTA) Design Competition.

She said: “I have enjoyed working with fur, even though it has been challenging at times, I like the way it can create different dimensions that you couldn’t achieve with a flatter fabric. I have mainly combined the fur with silk for my final collection and as well as the Inuit influence, I have also drawn on inspiration from the artist and sculptor, Barbara Hepworth and have created a vivid contrast, as well as great texture and depth to my pieces.

“I chose to study at the University of Northampton because I liked that you can get a taster of fashion, textiles and footwear before deciding on your final option. I have learnt a lot on my course, but the main things I will take away are the virtue of patience and how to manage my time better.”