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Amber Archer

Amber Archer

Manchester, United Kingdom
UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE Manchester Fashion Institute
Course Fragile Drift
SPECIALISMS Womenswear

Contact Tutor
s.atkin@mmu.ac.uk

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Fragile Drift is more than a collection — it is a reflection of a personal transformation. This body of work explores the emotional and mental journey I’ve experienced throughout my time at university, where fashion became a lifeline, a language, and a form of healing. At its core, this collection is about self-expression: using garments as a means of processing complex emotions and discovering calm within the storm. The starting point was my mental health — the highs, lows, and the gradual understanding of how to live with certain struggles. During some of the most difficult times, I found unexpected peace in observing my pet fish. Their soft, fluid movements through water had a quiet, meditative quality that grounded me. This sense of tranquillity and weightlessness became central to my design philosophy. I wanted to translate that same feeling into fabric — garments that feel like they’re drifting, suspended, yet powerful in their fragility. The process of garment fitting became a key part of my development — learning by doing, making mistakes, and allowing intuition to guide the design. Each adjustment and every tactile decision brought me closer to something that felt not only wearable, but meaningful. Visually, the collection is anchored by a muse who embodies both strength and glamour. Drawing inspiration from the timeless elegance of Madeline Monroe, my imagined consumer is bold yet delicate, nostalgic yet modern. She owns her space, but she’s not afraid to show her softness. This duality mirrors the overall theme of the collection: the balance between vulnerability and resilience. Fragile Drift is a visual diary, a moving archive of growth and healing. It’s a celebration of softness, movement, and beauty found in quiet places. Through this work, I hope to remind people that fragility is not weakness — it’s a form of strength in its own right.