< Back to all entries & Profiles
User Ellen profile image

Ellen Colbert

National College of Art and Design

I am a graduating fashion design student from Dublin, Ireland. My love for sewing began through upcycling. My work has always centred around repurposing, and leaving less behind. My passion has always been for making. My designs aim to push the purpose of our wardrobe, exploring the intersection of fashion and functionality. Combining modern femininity and practicality, the clothes are designed to be lived in, not observe life in. With sustainability at the core of my practice, I have evolved to using exclusively secondhand materials and trims, as evident in this collection. I believe that within this restraint is where I am forced to be the most creative. Each design decision is made with the intention to extend the lifespan of the garment. They are designed to stay with you.

Lightbox zoom button
Lightbox zoom button
Lightbox zoom button
Lightbox zoom button
Lightbox zoom button
Lightbox zoom button
Lightbox zoom button
Lightbox zoom button
Lightbox zoom button
Lightbox zoom button
← →
x

Toweling Jumper

Category: Apparel

Competitions: Fashion Competition 2026

This garment is part of my graduate collection from my BA in Fashion Design, which was inspired by the fragmenting effects of emigration. Designed to stay with you, the womenswear collection is intended to push the purpose of our wardrobe, facilitating modern day migration, by exploring clothing as a vessel. It is for the conscious consumer, who doesn’t wish to “start a-new” everywhere they go. Striving to leave less behind, all garments in the collection are made from 100% repurposed fabrics and trims. Going one step further, the towelling jumper (submitted to this competition) is made from 100% cotton; second-hand towels, bed sheets, and yarn reclaimed from old knitted jumpers. The toweling jumper is a modular piece, which can be easily adapted to each season and space of the wearer’s life. The style lines are both feminine and functional. The large hidden pocket at the front is easily accessible and can store a large range of personal belongings. The two side pockets, hidden by the rib trim, can store the jumper sleeves when they are not in use. Shoulder cut outs double as alternative armholes. The garment’s ability to be worn multiple ways serves the wearer’s wardrobe for longer, encouraging them to need and therefore buy less. With these source materials used to make the jumper intended for everyday use, they are soft to touch, yet extremely durable. Naturally dying the towelling restores its appearance, allowing for the extension of unwanted fabrics’ lifespans. By identifying if an unwanted knit garment was shaped during its construction (rather than cut and sew), it can be easily unwound and the yarn can be reused. To accommodate the practical element of the piece, a zip from a decommissioned rucksack is present in the pocket. The toweling jumper is made from unwanted fabrics. It is naturally dyed with weld modified with 2% iron, in order to not employ any toxic processes in the textile’s refurbishment. It is designed to last through its adaptability, functionality and durability. Furthermore, it strives to reduce waste beyond its construction, by providing a means to easily and securely transport belongings. Once it has inevitably served its time, the zip can be removed and it can fully decompose.

In association with Arts Thread

Working with our partners at Arts Thread to develop lifelong learning and career opportunities for students of fashion and design. Our partnership provides the opportunity to compete on a world stage, participate in industry led workshops, set up an outstanding portfolio and gain access to the resources that will kickstart careers in fashion and design.