Leigh's 'slow fashion' drops at Urban Outfitters

Slow fashion entrepreneur Leigh Mansfield is making a splash this weekend at Urban Outfitters, Liverpool.

The Masters in Fashion Innovation student reached out to the fashion house who were so impressed with her artisan-textile inspired designs, they offered her a pop-up pod in the high street store this Saturday 31 May and Sunday 1 June.

Leigh’s range can be seen on the first floor of the Liverpool One store.

Kayla Owen, Programme Leader MA Fashion Innovation & Realisation said: “This is a major opportunity for Leigh who has worked tirelessly to create some very special clothes.”

The 30-something Liverpudlian, re-launched her sustainable fashion label – Leigh Taylor - as part of her MA project, with ideas that draw on her Indian heritage, sourcing traditional craftsmanship and fabrics.

She said: “The collection blends artisan craftsmanship with wearable design combining hand sourced textiles from Guatemala with statement pieces made in my UK studio.

"I’ll also be launching a small run of graphic T-shirts and one-of-a-kind mirror work jackets that I developed in collaboration with artisans in India."

Guatemala was a huge part of Leigh’s research and design process and she travelled there earlier this year, visiting local artisan cooperatives around Lake Atitlán.

She adds: “I sourced hand-loomed fabrics directly from a women-run weaving studio, documented the process, and worked with the makers to understand the traditional ikat techniques they use."

Leigh, a former Liverpool St Edward School pupil, says she is inspired by authentic stories and handmade details how these cut through the noise of fast-paced, trend-driven fashion.

The Leigh Taylor brand is designed and manufactured in the UK by Leigh.

So don’t miss the ‘Leigh Taylor’ pop-up, taking place at Urban Outfitters, Liverpool ONE on the 1st floor this weekend (31st May–1st June).