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Kate Lindley-Smith

Kate Lindley-Smith

Manchester, United Kingdom
UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE University of Salford
Title of Work Gathered in Nets
SPECIALISMS Womenswear,Textiles,Pattern Cutting,Tailoring

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j.d.pegg@salford.ac.uk

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Gathered in Nets is a celebration of the feminine, inspired by traditional fishing heritage and the figure of the collector. The collection tells the story of a fisherwoman who archives memories, stories and histories through needle and twine, with each thread echoing the unravelled fibres of old rope. Hidden throughout the garments, repurposed buttons are discreetly embedded within linings and sleeve hems, acting as symbolic keepsakes that represent these collected narratives. The fisherwoman becomes an emblem of the contemporary woman—adopting traditionally masculine clothing in order to navigate the world on equal terms and pursue her ambitions. Drawing inspiration from the 1890s and the emergence of denim workwear, the collection reflects on how heritage, geography and labour continue to shape the clothes we wear. Traditional English textiles, including tweed, tartan and wool, ground the collection in a rich material history while reinterpreting familiar references through a contemporary lens. Kate Lindley-Smith is a Manchester-based menswear and womenswear designer whose practice centres on tailoring and textile manipulation. Her work explores human feeling and touch, examining how silhouette can cocoon the body or invite the wearer into new experiences of comfort, confidence and protection. By navigating the space between masculine and feminine dress, she creates garments that challenge convention while offering both empowerment and reassurance. Kate has also gained industry experience through an internship with haute couture designer Dawid Tomaszewski in Berlin, further developing her approach to craftsmanship, tailoring and textile innovation.

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