1. M I C H E L L E L O W E - H O L D E R

2. I was born in Canada and went to Pratt Institute in New York for my BFA – I then worked for
several years in the industry...and attended “Central St. Martins MA program ” in 1997-1999
specializing in knitwear.

3. my studio and it’s
unending supply of
materials ......
After finishing my MA - I started my own label with an off-schedule presentation in” Browns”
2001. I was awarded the British Fashion Council “New Generation” sponsorship 3 times plus was
awarded one sponsored on- schedule catwalk show. I have continued to make and sell women’s
wear collections every year since 2001.

4. fabrics ends and end of lines and
scraps ......collected and collected..
In 2009 my AW10 Collection “RIBBON RECLAIM” marked a big change in direction, in that it is an
accessories- only collection and a totally sustainable.

5. “FIRST CUTS SS 2000”
Ethical and sustainable concepts have always been present in every collection from 2000–
in some form or another.

6. AW 2000 “cuts”

7. AW2001 “MENSWEAR “

8. AW2003 “LANDSCAPE COLLECTION”

9. SS05 “PINS AND FLOWERS”

10. AW05 “PINS AND PEARLS”

11. SS06 “PEARLS AND FLOWERS”

12. SS09 “MY BEST DRESS”

13. AW10 “RIBBON RECLAIM”

14. The mentoring program at London College of Sustainable Fashion focused my label into a
more concentrated ethical collection. Although having some sustainable practises already -
the program helped me to understand the value of the existing ethical parts and how to go
forward with them.

15. The last 2 collections have been distilled down into my primary craft interest - often an
antique or vintage detail ---which has now become the design or piece itself made in a
sustainable way.

16. Sustainable and ethical practises of zero waste, upcyling and using ends of lines and “cabbage”
(scraps from previous collections) with UK production is integral to the collection.

17. The added advantage of making smaller accessory pieces allow the handwork to be the main
feature and value - not the material itself. ( which is waste)

18. Every season begins with or continues with a hand craft detail and is translated and re-fabricated
in a unique and sustainable way.

19. Most of the techniques are historical and are modernizing craft heritage.

20. AW10 and SS11 both explore “ribbon art”. A kind of folding technique interlaced with crochet and
hand cut bases.

21. SS11 utilizes old plastic lace table cloths, end of line hemp weave and “cabbage” of clear plastic and
leather cut-offs of previous collections.

22. A new looping technique is also introduced - which adds a more feminine and softer feel to the
geometric collection.

23. .
Michelle Lowe-Holder SS11 was exhibited at Somerset House, London Fashion Week - Esthetica September 17-21.

24. The collection was also worn in the first LFW Sustainable Fashion Show at Clarence House
, Sept.17th 2010.

25. Sustainable credentials --
upcycling /recycling/zero waste/heritage
crafts/end of line cabbage” collections /with uk
production..

26. I believe the number one quality of an ethical
fashion designer is to be a DESIGNER

27. -------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------and--------------
-------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------ETHICAL-----------------------
----------------------------------------------------------
after

28. Fashion and its notorius wasteful and throw away culture
needs to be challenged .....on a strong design front....

29. However if you ....

30. -believe in designing products with intrinsic
heritage and longevity

31. – if you covet highly crafted products

32. - and you design or create a timeless look

33. ...you are en route to supporting ethical design

34. Sustainability makes
sense ....

35. Sustainability -
Some simple things to try ......
1.studio – use energy more efficiently
2.materials – upcycle / use renewable resources and biodegradable
materials / try and use materials that do not harm human and
ecological well-being
3.making- zero waste policy /use minimul materials/use low energy
and operational methods
4.distribution- reduce packaging / use recycled packaging /use local
or very little transportation