Katie Chesworth - BA (Hons) Fashion Design and Technology
Hi I'm Katie, and I’m a Fashion Design & Technology graduate from Manchester Fashion Institute. Through my Instagram (@k.chesworth.fdt) and TikTok (@katie_chesworth04), I document my creative journey, highlighting a design approach that is both innovative and consciously responsible.
Sustainability is at the core of my practice, influencing both material choices and construction methods. I consistently explore low-impact techniques such as upcycling, digital pattern cutting, and circular design systems. My goal is to create fashion that is not only visually compelling but also mindful of its environmental footprint. I am especially passionate about surface embroidery—particularly hand embroidery—as it adds a personal, expressive layer to my work. For me, embellishment is a storytelling tool, enriching garments through texture, colour, and craftsmanship.
A recent highlight in my journey was a collaboration with Belstaff, where I was able to merge my creative vision with the brand’s strong heritage. This project featured a sculptural, 3D-printed design element that showcased my interest in combining tactile surfaces with advanced fabrication techniques. The outcomes, including studio photography and drone footage, are featured on my social channels as a full-circle look into the process and final result.
My commitment to sustainable design was further recognised when I won the GFF x Zalando Sustainable Circular Design competition. For this project, I created a hand-dyed batik print using organic indigo and applied traditional sashiko embroidery to repurposed denim—a celebration of heritage craft and innovation.
My final graduate collection builds on these values, transforming textile waste into new materials through experimental sampling, embroidery, and print development across multiple market levels. For me, fashion is about more than the end product; it’s about process, storytelling, and the role we play as designers in building a more thoughtful and sustainable industry.
