Ann Muirhead
My Research Vision
Trained in fashion, textile and jewellery design Ann is principally interested in new technology and its application within the wider fashion industry. Practice-based research has developed in a number of directions, and is influenced by research in to new materials, manufacturing processes and innovations in textiles – this work explores a range of processes and techniques with a particular interest in non traditional approaches, using sonic welding, digital and sublimation printing and laser cutting. Ann is interested in ethical issues in relation to the Fashion Industry and has developed several projects with external partners as a response to these issues.
Course Director in International Fashion Business and Assistant Professor in Fine Art
Building: Graham Sutherland
Room: GS101
Email: a.muirhead@coventry.ac.uk
Biography
Ann came to Coventry seven years ago in the role of Fashion Programme Leader, part of the team responsible for the launch of the Fashion provision at the institution. Previously Ann worked at Derby University for 20 years where her roles included Programme Leader for Foundation, Level Zero and Fashion.
Whilst at Derby Ann became Design Director for Stone Circle, exhibiting at ICFF - Jacob K Javits, New York, Jardins des Createurs, Pret a Porter, Paris, as part of the Entente Cordiale Centenary: Spotlight on Designers, sold designs to Conran and was taken on by the Mary Skinner Agency in London.
Her interest in applying her research to an industry context led to a project with Annabel McMahon of Staffordshire-based Rackety’s Ltd., a company whose focus is designing clothes for people with disabilities. The project involved developing an innovative type of trouser for wounded soldiers, The Richmond Trouser won the Innovation in Development category at the 2010 Lord Stafford Awards and the trousers have recently been approved by the MOD for wearer trials.
Selected Outputs
- Armstrong A., and Muirhead, A. (2010) The Richmond Trouser. [Design]
- Armstrong, A., and Muirhead, A.E. (2013) Future Armour. [Design]
- Armstrong, A., and Muirhead, A.E. (2010) From Counterfeit to Counter. [Design]
- Armstrong, A., and Muirhead, A.E. (2013) Refreshed Fashion [Design]
- Muirhead, A.E. (2010) MADE IN FUTURE, A vision of things to come. [Design]
- Muirhead, A.E. (2013) Cooling Clothes. [Design]
- Muirhead, A.E. (2013) Refreshed Unlimited. [Design]
Selected Projects
- The Richmond Trouser: Winner of the Innovation in Development Lord Stafford Award 2010, The Richmond Trouser is currently undergoing MOD wearer trails.
- Future Armour Ltd: Coventry University spin out company carrying out research and development of fashionable PPE for a variety of work wear applications.
- Counterfeit to Counter: Paper peer reviewed for the Fashion and Textile Subject Association Conference in Sheffield “Futurescan – Collective Voices”. Publication scheduled August 2013.
- Refreshed Fashion: Runner up in the Innovation in Development Lord Stafford Award 2010 in association with Coventry Cyrenians and Coventry Trading Standards.
- Made in Future: Futuristic Travel Outfit exhibited at Materials KTN London Reception showcasing fashion and clothing, incorporating UK based smart materials technology.
- Cooling Clothes: Research and design development - fashionable nightwear for menopausal women designed to cool and maintain a comfortable body temperature.
- Refreshed Unlimited: Social Enterprise funded by hefce UnLtd*to provide workshops for clients of Coventry Cyrenians to improve their employability and future outlook.
