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Marie Cunliffe sculpts metal fabrics for graduate fashion collection
Kingston University graduate Marie Cunliffe has used copper-foiled lace and satin woven with metal to imitate colours and patterns from aerial photography for this fashion collection.
![Maria Cunliffe graduate fashion collection](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/06/Marie-Cunliffe-graduate-fashion-collection_dezeen_468_sq.jpg)
Marie Cunliffe added a copper-based metal to fabrics for her graduate collection, allowing her to sculpt materials in contours similar to land forms seen from above.
![Maria Cunliffe graduate fashion collection](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/06/Marie-Cunliffe-graduate-fashion-collection_dezeen_468_11.jpg)
"My inspiration for the collection was taken from aerial images of the earth, focusing on the unusual patterns that the contours create," Cunliffe told Dezeen.
![Maria Cunliffe graduate fashion collection](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/06/Marie-Cunliffe-graduate-fashion-collection_dezeen_468_6.jpg)
"The idea was to look from an alternative perspective – a new viewpoint. I translated this into silhouette, print and texture."
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Cunliffe worked with fabrics by textile designer Lynn Tandler, who wove the satin with metal fibres.
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This creates a shimmering material that amplifies the effects of light and shadow on the garments.
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"The way it responds to light is really interesting and relates back to my initial research imagery," said Cunliffe.
![Maria Cunliffe graduate fashion collection](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/06/Marie-Cunliffe-graduate-fashion-collection_dezeen_468_5.jpg)
She also foiled lace from French company Sophie Hallette to give the traditional material a metallic sheen.
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Outfits are layered using garments with different fabric densities, pairing draped silks and lace with more structural materials.
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Widened trouser legs and lengthened sleeves create exaggerated shapes, and a floor-length dress features a stiffened hem that folds back on itself at the front.
![Maria Cunliffe graduate fashion collection](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/06/Marie-Cunliffe-graduate-fashion-collection_dezeen_468_8.jpg)
"I wanted dramatic silhouettes," Cunliffe said. "I then used both light and heavy weight fabrics, so the results were varied – the stiff fabrics creating large shapes, and the lighter making soft, fluid ones. I wanted to create a contrast."
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Cobweb wool has been used to add texture to the collection. One dress is screen printed with the aerial imagery collected during her research.
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The palette of muted greys, greens, oranges and purples is also taken from photographs of seas, forests, deserts and mountains.
![Maria Cunliffe graduate fashion collection](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/06/Marie-Cunliffe-graduate-fashion-collection_dezeen_468_1.jpg)
Cunliffe studied womenswear fashion design at Kingston University in London. Photography is by Scott Carthy.