Coffee to Couture

Emily Crawford designed her “Brew Puff” coat as part of her fashion course at Manchester Met University. She shared her inspiration for the piece with Fiche below.

“It’s inspired by the warmth and community experienced in independent coffee shops, my coat reflects the interior of my favourite local coffee house - Elephant Collective, based in Parkgate, Cheshire”.

“Elephant is a very special place to myself and those around me. We have celebrated important milestones in our lives, and made lasting memories through the day and into the night in Elephant’s home-like atmosphere. The coffee house overlooks the marsh and is located on Parkgates front. With views of Wales, the interior of Elephant has a vibrant yet chill energy. There’s open pipework intertwined on the ceiling, warm lights and a wall of home-roasted coffee beans - what’s not to love?”

“I took direct inspiration for the puffer coat’s fabric from the colour palette of Elephant’s interior - wood, faux plants and metallic features. I used a taffeta fabric and created organic gathers to mimic the fluid shape of the pipework and hanging lights inside. I wanted to design and make something for the typical Elephant customer, and show how independent coffee shops can make us feel protected, warm and comfortable in what we do and who we are”.