MARTHA BIRD
AN INTERDISCIPLINARY DESIGNER WHO'S PRACTICE COMPRISES BOTH FASHION DESIGN AND COSTUME.
Martha Bird is a London-based womenswear designer and recent first-class graduate from London College
of Fashion. As the daughter of an vintage dealer, her work is shaped by a connection to vintage
and antique clothing. She draws deep inspiration from historical garments, particularly those of
her own family archive and the costume collections of the Royal Ballet School, where she spent
time interning. Martha’s creative process is rooted in research and storytelling, often exploring
themes of preservation, sustainability, and an emotional connection to clothing. Her final
graduate collection reimagines the elegance and function of ballet costumes for contemporary
life, using second-hand British textiles and naturally derived dyes. The collection embraces a
worn, time-honoured aesthetic—referencing the character and beauty of antique garments.
Whether working in fashion or costume, she remains committed to reviving the forgotten, and
continuing her search for inspiration in the overlooked and discarded.
Recognising the urgent need to move beyond the fashion industry’s current role in global
overconsumption, my practice focuses on creating garments that transcend the purely aesthetic qualities
of vintage. Each piece reimagines and revitalises pre-existing British textiles through a considered and
sustainable approach. I collaborate with tailors, theatres, scrap-stores, and large businesses to source
materials that would otherwise be discarded, ensuring waste is minimised and craftsmanship preserved.
I have dedicated time at university to researching natural dying processes. During this research, I have
formed collaborations with small businesses to utilise their food waste in my dyeing processes.
My work prioritises pragmatic styling to create sophisticated, timeless clothing for the ‘functional
romantic.’ By incorporating adjustable features that accommodate movement and body changes, I ensure
longevity and wearability across generations of women. New clothing, that values the sustainability and beauty of
second-hand clothing and prioritises longevity in well-made clothing.