Born in one of those coastal towns they forgot to close down...
Erin started with training in sculpture, working in studio with British sculptor Hamish Black. One of her pieces was later exhibited at the home of Lee Miller and Anthony Penrose, alongside pieces by Pablo Picasso, Max Ernst and Man Ray.
After completing an Art Foundation at Hastings College, Erin made the move to London for desire to learn a skill in tailoring. The strong structuring and long-life that is typical of sculpture made the obvious attraction to menswear.
In London she started working as the sole costume-maker for performance musicians 'The Irrepressibles', concluding in a headline night at the Hackney Empire Theatre.
Throughout her studies she also worked alongside designers Ioannis Dimitrousis, Gareth Pugh and Rui Leonardes before joining Boudicca for their first Couture Show presentation in Paris. At Boudicca she also worked on two projects with film director/photographer/musician Mike Figgis.
Her graduate collection from London College of Fashion was tailored to Saville Row standards and a collaboration with Dashing Tweeds showed both innovation and tradition. The result was a small collection bought by Beams-Japan.
Erin sought to make the most of British design sourcing all fabrics and production from the UK.
Just before graduating, Erin was selected by the British Council to take the job as head design of the 'Charro' collection at Mexico's leading sustainable textiles-fashion brand 'Taller Flora'. Founded by Carla Fernandez, the brand focuses on making use of Mexico's skilled artisans, combining traditional textile techniques with contemporary design.
Exhibitions
Fashion Institute of Technology Museum, New York - 2009 July to November
'Fashion and Politics' exhibition and permanent collection for the Adelita Charro Suit for Taller Flora.
Apex Art, New York - 2009 September to October
Installation of collection and video for Taller Flora, 'Square clothes for round minded people'.
Roxy Screen, London Bridge - 2007 October
Sensitive Material- Festival of the Moving Image. Video piece - 'Things Aren't What They Seem'
De La Warr Pavillion, East Sussex - 2007 May to June
'Working Our Way' exhibition. Visual essay on the persectives of body shape in fashion in Western and Eastern cultures.
Farley Yard, The Home of Roland Penrose and Lee Miller - 2006 September to 2007
'Stealth Bomber Dress' sheet metal sculpture.
Hastings College of Art and Design - 2005 June
'Siamese Dreams' Video and installation of garments.
Bexhill Costume Museum, East Sussex - 2003 (permanent collection)
'Luisa Casati' dress and mask.
Educational History
University of the Arts London: London College of Fashion - September 2005 - June 2008
BA Hons Menswear Fashion Design and Technology - First Class Honours
Hastings College - September 2004 - June 2005
BTEC Diploma in Foundation Studies Art & Design - Distinction
