Slow fashion advocate Genevieve Devine (above), whose designs have graced the pages of some of the most iconic magazines, unveiled her Pearl Biter collection to photographers, editors, buyers and agents in the bohemian setting of Below Stone Nest, in London.

Genevieve, who hails from Chatton, in Northumberland and attended Dame Allan’s Schools, in Fenham, intends to return to Newcastle to have her work photographed for the collection’s lookbook.

Speaking after her launch event, the now London-based designer said: “It’s been really exciting to showcase my work in such a hauntingly-beautiful, intimate setting; it was the perfect backdrop to my garments that toe the line between fashion pieces and objets d’art.

“It’s my debut collection under the Genevieve Devine brand and it explores a subversive and sensually messy take on femininity, making use of discarded clothes that retain secrets and stories; repurposing fabrics and beautiful objects.”

Genevieve, a Central Saint Martin’s MA graduate, developed a love of fashion and design at just three years old and learnt to wind the spool on a sewing machine in the art studio at Dame Allan’s.

After leaving the independent school in 2011, she went on to take an Art and Design Foundation Diploma, at Newcastle College, and study Fashion Design at Northumbria University, where she won a scholarship prize at Graduate Fashion Week and designed a nine-piece collection for TU.

The 28-year-old, who creates sustainable, handmade garments typically from recycled or eco-friendly materials, said: “My heart will always be in the North East, that’s why I’m returning to Newcastle to shoot my lookbook for the collection.

“I owe so much to those who encouraged my creativity and inspired me in childhood, and I’m incredibly grateful for the start I was given by my art teachers at Dame Allan’s Schools, who allowed me to experiment, and challenged me creatively.”

Genevieve has had pieces from her Smoke and Mirrors collection – created as part of her MA work – appear in editions of British and Italian Vogue, Metal, and More or Less magazines, as well as the Autumn / Winter edition of culture, arts and fashion book Document Journal. Critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Dua Lipa wore a feminine slip designed by Genevieve in a shoot for Vanity Fair magazine.

“As a small school, to be acknowledged nationally as a leading provider for secondary art education is superb,” said Headmistress, Sarah Wilson. “To be revered internationally is exceptional with this unique agreement being the only one of its kind in existence.”

Established in 1921, as the first American art and design school in Paris, Parsons has a long tradition of inspiring artists, designers and scholars. Together with Parsons in New York and The New School – Parsons’ parent university – Parsons Paris prepares its diverse graduates to pioneer new industries and pursue creative careers. In 2021, Parsons was ranked as the number one art college in the USA as well as one of the top three in the world. Its approach to merging disciplines to cultivate design-led problem solvers is aligned with Heathfield’s own philosophy for creative arts education.

“Parsons’ close-knit community, which offers a bespoke curriculum, is reflective of our best practice at Heathfield,” said Sarah. “This exciting collaboration will benefit art and design students in a variety of ways, including the creation of extra-curricular and scholarship opportunities for KS 3, 4 and 5 for instance, and through fashion events which Parsons will be attending. Parsons will also be on hand to review the portfolios and presentations of students applying to study art and design at university. A Fashion Designer in Residence – a recent Parsons’ BFA or MFA graduate – will work closely with all our pupils to identify and develop their creative spark, and to help to produce, promote and present their work. Students aged 16+ will also receive a 10% discount on the Parsons Paris Summer Programme.

“As Heathfield continues to flourish, we have now joined an international community of excellence and innovation. There is no finer accolade or one more fitting for our pupils”.