Martha Little
Rural Heroine
Rural Heroine is a SS 23 womenswear collection focused on women in agriculture and their powerful narrative. Being from the Yorkshire Dales, I am a part of the Bronte Community that supports literacy and agriculture, it’s a village where your eggs and milk are delivered to your doorstep and you help to keep those around you afloat, supporting your neighbours and strengthening community spirit. Through this collection, I explore an emotional connection to home roots and the power of the female protagonist, looking at why in a hedonistic society, it is important to now speak up against inequality and celebrate all that is inherently female. Naturally, I investigate the empowering path led by the women who work, support, and promote ethical practises within the agricultural industry, paving the way for other women who question whether they can. This collection is narrative led, a story told by a woman, about women and the strength of rising to equal power in all aspects of life, leading the way and being the main character of the story.
Through this project, knitwear is produced with relaxed and comfortable silhouettes that are non-restrictive and practical whilst considering texture that is raised, brushed and chunky. Accessories play on the everyday products of the farm with variations of the sheep feed sack with contemporary handles. Whimsical cuffs and collars take inspiration from 19th century Brontë sisters’ gowns, using classic crochet techniques to provide handmade touches to garments and accessories.