Melissa Daly
GRASSROOTS
The title “Grassroots” hints at local activism, the early days of football and quite literally the nature of which my roots belong.
Just like almost everyone else during this global pandemic, moving back home pushed me to confront the reality of my surroundings and revisit the working-class landscape in which I was brought up. It was important to me that I delved into wider themes I associated with this background, such as socialism, protesting for worker’s rights and of course, a love for the local football team. By studying old football magazines and memorabilia of AFC Bournemouth, I took forward key imagery and developed them through domestic jacquard, the Shima Seiki and industrial Dubied techniques. Throughout my work is a hint of the Mod subculture, not only due to its historical relevance, but largely from a design point of view. The sophistication, sharpness, and colour palettes aligned extremely well with my desired outcomes; organically lending themselves to Menswear. In turn, this was a perfect match for my creative identity.
From analysing more of the internal features of my home area, I discovered that immediate post-war buildings are dubbed “architecture of doom”. Despite this, my goal was to divulge into the subjective beauty of Bournemouth council housing, due to much of it being built upon heath and farmlands. The clash of industrial red brick, concrete, and pylons against greenery, gorse bushes and fern leaves, allows for a disharmonious yet nostalgic vision. Although this sub-route involved a slightly softer colour palette including mohair greens, creams, and vivid yellows, it was crucial I brought through a utilitarian influence. The reality of the working-class environment is that often, functionality must be prioritised over aesthetic. Henceforth, I experimented with pockets and workmen’s shirt features such as sleeve cuffs, buttonholes, and pleats. Externally, I gained much of my design inspiration from the works of Fred Perry, particularly through their iconic use of a logo. Throughout Grassroots is my own interpretation of a motif, taken from the classic, flower-shaped breezeblock, donned in the front gardens of almost all houses on the estate.
Contact Melissa Daly
- M.Daly3@uni.brighton.ac.uk
- @melissa.knit