Sustainable Traditions: Formal Wear
BY NICHOLAS BENNETT
#CreateCOP25 Winner
United Kingdom 🇬🇧
Nicholas is originally from North Yorkshire, moving to London to study Design at Goldsmiths University. Prior to starting his degree he completed a foundation course, where he delved into various mediums, such as film, to express speculative concepts. Nicholas has a keen interest in the natural environment that surrounds him, and he has engaged in horticultural work related to wildflower planting and designing hydroponic systems. In his artistic practice, there is a sense of curiosity as he seeks to reveal the conflicting and hidden significances of design, which he effectively communicates through his art.
Nicholas is originally from North Yorkshire, moving to London to study Design at Goldsmiths University. Prior to starting his degree he completed a foundation course, where he delved into various mediums, such as film, to express speculative concepts. Nicholas has a keen interest in the natural environment that surrounds him, and he has engaged in horticultural work related to wildflower planting and designing hydroponic systems. In his artistic practice, there is a sense of curiosity as he seeks to reveal the conflicting and hidden significances of design, which he effectively communicates through his art.
Nicholas’s project explores the significance of tradition, innovation, and how they can be combined, earning him a first place position in #CreateCOP25. Using Yorkshire’s flooding as an example, he tests whether existing ways of living can be altered to overcome environmental challenges. He focuses on two scenarios: formal wear and tea breaks. Nicholas devises hidden waders for commuting through deep puddles and utilises umbrellas to collect rainwater for tea breaks. Sustainability is a priority, as he uses secondhand objects and maximises scrap materials. His open-minded approach covers diverse social and economic perspectives, aiming to offer a fresh perspective on the future and the importance of cherished traditions in our lives.