From snowboarding to stitching: Zsofia's journey to Graduate Fashion Week

In the lead up to Graduate Fashion Week, we’re meeting some of the BA Fashion students who will be exhibiting work in Manchester School of Art’s Catwalk Show. In our previous instalment, we spoke to Bethan Currie, now Zsofia Juhasz shares her journey to Graduate Fashion Week with us. 

Why did you choose to study fashion? 

‘I’d finished a degree in Film Studies and travelled as a snowboard instructor before I decided to move to Manchester and study fashion.

It was always an idea in the back of my mind and thought it was time to give it a go! Three years studying here led me to change the way I think about fashion completely, so my initial reasons to pursue fashion have completely changed.’ 

What is your design style? 

‘As a knitwear designer, I focus on fabrics, textures and use of colour. The most important part of the design process for me is making, the hands on experience of handling fabrics and yarns, and the freedom to experiment as well as embrace accidental and unique outcomes.’ 

Please describe your final collection 

‘The starting point for my collection was a photo album of vintage polaroids I found at a flea market in San Francisco. I created my initial knit samples based on the faded colours of the photographs, and wanted to capture the unexpected light effects analogue photography produces.

The patterns and textures in my knit pieces are partially improvised, allowing for unexpected results. I kept the shapes simple to allow the fabrics to be in the foreground. I also wanted to make the clothes comfortable and fun to wear!’ 

What are your aims for the future? 

‘I’m interested in a masters in knitwear or textiles in the future, as well as establishing my own practice (I’m not sure yet whether it would take the form of a label). I would like to focus on ethically and sustainably made clothes with an appreciation of the quality of fabrics used as well as the craftsmanship.’ 

Zofia will be showcasing her graduate collection at the Manchester School of Art catwalk show at Graduate Fahsion Week on 5 June at ruman Brewery.