Andrew Bell
I am a future-facing fashion designer/maker based in London, with a focus on innovative manufacturing processes. My work centres on the application of emerging technologies towards the development of new techniques for garments construction and accessories design.
Through my recent MA at the Royal College of Art I focused on the development of a Future Tailoring aesthetic, defined by sonic welding and taping technology. As such the outerwear pieces in my MA collection were entirely un-sewn in their construction and cut in side-profile, allowing them to fold flat. This process involved rigorous testing of fabrication and finish, combined with experimentation in the development of new parts for existing machinery at the college.
As a designer/maker my skillset combines traditional tailoring, complex pattern cutting capabilities, fabric development experience and tacit knowledge of footwear construction. My background also encompasses commercial design experience working with product developers and buyers to produce clothing at volume with overseas manufacturers.
I am particularly interested in the relationship between tradition and luxury, and the potential for new technologies to evolve and enhance aesthetics in this field. I am equally interested in the scope for sustainable solutions through technology and experimentation. These sentiments are explored in my MA dissertation ‘The Elasticity of Luxury; Luxury in an Age of Material Excess’, 2019. As a fashion educator I am also invested in the intersection between fashion design as both an industrial and academic practice. In 2020 I was awarded the OTB Award and the Pitti Immagine Prize at the 20th International Talent Support Awards in Italy.
- Listing ID: 2463
- Contact: Andrew Bell
- What are your aspirations and plans for the future?: My current aim is to further develop the footwear collection I have been working on with collaborator Tabitha Ringwood. We are based in a small studio in North London, and also work closely with traditional shoemaker Ilias Iliazi. We are keen to push our 3D printed heel block developments towards fully trialed and tested components, ready for the market. This innovative and economical solution to component sourcing aligns with our sustainable outlook for made-to-order and made-to-measure luxury footwear, produced in the UK. Through further research and development we are particularly interested in working with sustainable and biodegradable filaments for fixed deposition modelling, further complimenting our application of dead-stock leather for the upper components. This system will also allow further creativity in the trialing and launching of new footwear styles, and has the potential for consumer-interaction through customisation at the point-of-sale. I also work as a freelance production assistant with Gainsbury & Whiting ltd, producing fashion shows and campaign photoshoots for large scale international brands including Bottega Veneta, Burberry, Alexander McQueen, Victoria Beckham and Ports 1961.
- What types of projects are you interested in working on through Future Fashion Factory?: I am interested in the development of new systems of manufacture that offer alternative solutions to the financial challenges of wholesale models, which can be highly prohibitive for small and emerging businesses. As such I am interested in re-shoring initiatives, which focus on the development of high-value products produced in the UK. I am interested in working on focused projects with a sustainable outlook on materials. Developing materials and systems that eradicate waste from the production process is also a central motivation. I am particularly interested in exploring the potential for durable, biodegradable filaments for Fixed Deposition Modelling for 3D printing. I have developed a body of samples and trials in this area to date, and the next step would be to pair with an industry partner to explore the most up-to-date technology and filaments available. I am also interested in exploring and testing filaments that could offer shock-absorption qualities that would be suitable for footwear application. This work would require trial periods and user-testing, which has scope for academic analysis that could add to a wider pool of research and development in the area of 3D printing for footwear.
