HENRY MCELROY
CREATIVE BIO
Henry McElroy is Sydney based fashion designer known for their passionate storytelling through modes of clothing and textiles. Henry’s designs are deeply rooted in a respect for narratives and notions of the past, often taking inspiration from history yet creating innovative and wearable garments. Henry’s work tells stories of heritage and tradition reimagined for the present day.
Henry considers the importance of textile manipulation in championing a sustainable future for the industry, incorporating eco-dying as well as upcycling to create textiles which are fresh and environmentally responsible. Henry, especially has an affinity with wool as a fibred, appreciating its sustainable methods of production as well as endless opportunities for manipulation, particularly smocking and pleating which Henry is known for.
DESIGN STATEMENT
HEIRLOOM is a testament to hand-me-down clothing, sustainable fashion consumption
practices and detailed handwork. The collection reimagines notions of classic folk attire
and 17th century Western costume, reflecting pieces which are timeless and innovative.
practices and detailed handwork. The collection reimagines notions of classic folk attire
and 17th century Western costume, reflecting pieces which are timeless and innovative.
Central to the collection is an emphasis on sustainability. The collection employs upcycled materials, particularly antique lace, crochet and tatting sourced from regional craftspeople as well as calico scraps which are smocked and manipulated . Eco-dying using onion skins is also present in the collection, a unique and responsible alternative to traditional synthetic dye. Further, the collection is mainly comprised of woollen pieces, used for the sustainable nature of the fibre as well as its efficacy in pleated manipulation.
Heirloom reinvigorates the notion of clothing as a means of passing down tradition and
culture.
culture.
