Meet Dev who graduated from the BA (Hons) Hand Embroidery in 2018.  For Dev’s third year major project, he was inspired by the ancient Hindu story of the child-God Krishna and traditional Indian Goldwork.

“Going into a Hand Embroidery Degree with little hand skills, apart from using a drill and saw, I’m proud of myself for taking that risk. I had an eye for art and fashion through my parents and mates, but embroidery found me in the same way it did my mum – escapism and tradition. I would credit my journey into embroidery as a clean slate, but my mum is always quick to remind people that her son would be the first to sew fallen sequins back on to saris. I guess it is selective amnesia!

My creative direction is inspired heavily by my heritage of assimilating in the multicultural, diverse environment of south west London.   I launched my own streetwear brand ‘NOCURFEW’ in May 2017.  The brand focuses on the energy of youth culture and includes menswear, streetwear, footwear and accessories.  ‘NOCURFEW A/W 19/20’ was inspired by the powerful characteristics of Hindu child-god Krishna and transcended to the ready-to-wear retail garments and sportswear.  The collection encompassed DIY embellishment and colour with cutting-edge technical fabrics and bold textures of chunky zips, chains, and cords.

NOCURFEW also has a heavy presence of Indian embroidery techniques, including Zardozi Goldwork to emphasise shape and create a diverse range of patterns. A lot of the vision of NOCURFEW is based on local crafts and sustainability – these factors were heightened by my time at the RSN.
I really enjoy Creative Goldwork. It is my passion of metal and bling!  I also like Pulled Whitework and Blackwork. These two techniques share a lovely effective handwriting/ illustrative quality, along with a marriage of tension and rhythm, which for me is cathartic.

I am just trying to make things and help people discover the feeling of wearing something handmade. There is a special interaction when time and love are transferred to someone.

For me, there is no other Degree Course in the world, like the RSN’s Hand Embroidery Degree. It’s a no-brainer if you’re looking to specialise and learn in a proactive, intimate and independent environment.”

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