British designer Harry Pontefract has made a name for himself by transforming unconventional materials into high fashion. His unique approach to design, blending unexpected elements with traditional techniques, has garnered attention in the fashion world. One of his recent collections featured garments adorned with hand-embroidered plastic grapes, creating an aesthetic he describes as "cheap opulence." Additionally, he incorporates longhaired sheepskins from Welsh and English flocks into his designs, adding a rustic yet luxurious touch. Despite some skepticism from others, Pontefract remains committed to his vision, driven by his passion for bringing overlooked materials into new light. His journey from a childhood hobby of collecting unusual items to launching his own label, Ponte, showcases his dedication to pushing boundaries in fashion.
Pontefract's creative process often begins with a peculiar fascination. For instance, his fixation on vintage faux fruit led him on an extensive search for plastic grapes, which he meticulously incorporated into a sleeveless dress. This piece, featuring cascading bunches of grapes embroidered in deep shades of black and Bordeaux, exemplifies his signature style of combining the ordinary with the extraordinary. The designer's ability to transform everyday objects into wearable art is evident in his choice of materials. He selected longhaired sheepskins from two female shepherds in Wales and England’s Peak District, infusing his collection with a sense of heritage and craftsmanship. One of the animals, named Dilys, contributed to the unique texture of the garments.
Pontefract's path to becoming a renowned fashion designer began in Sheffield, where he developed a penchant for collecting unusual items at a young age. His parents' attic and basement became repositories for his eclectic treasures, laying the foundation for his future career. As a teenager, he and his friends would customize their jeans using his mother's sewing machine, a pastime that eventually evolved into a professional pursuit. After enrolling in the fashion design program at Central Saint Martins in London, Pontefract honed his skills and gained recognition for his innovative use of deconstructed underpinnings in his graduate collection. Following graduation, he spent six years working at Loewe in Paris, where he continued to experiment with one-of-a-kind creations before launching his own label, Ponte, two years ago.
Today, Pontefract's designs are exclusively available at Dover Street Market, a testament to his growing influence in the fashion industry. His work challenges conventional notions of luxury and elegance, inviting viewers to reconsider the potential of everyday materials. By merging the mundane with the exquisite, Pontefract not only creates visually striking garments but also tells a story of innovation and artistic expression. His dedication to reimagining the familiar into something extraordinary continues to captivate audiences and redefine the boundaries of fashion design.
