Alice Robinson
I’m a designer and the daughter of a farm vet — a combination that has shaped my outlook and vocation. Growing up in rural Shropshire and later studying fashion, I became interested in leather's connection to agriculture.
My MA research at the Royal College of Art began by experiencing leather's lack of traceability, this led me to explore how provenance can influence our perception of value. This inquiry evolved into two collections — each crafted entirely from a single sheep and a single bullock sourced from local farms — and culminated in the book, Field, Fork, Fashion: A Designer’s Journey to Find a Future for Leather.
Through this work, I came to understand the vital role small abattoirs play as linchpins in local, traceable food systems — and the challenges they face in realising value from hides and skins.
This learning ultimately led me to co-found British Pasture Leather, establishing the first UK supply chain for leather traceable to certified pasture farms.
How can innovative fibre supply chains support the resilience of sustainable food & farming systems?
McDonald’s UK & Ireland
Study Overview
Since we established British Pasture Leather in 2021, I have been confronted by the disconnection between our food and fibre industries, and become passionate about the opportunity to explore new models for collaboration to scale new production systems.My research proposes to explore how innovating fibre supply chains to meet new policy and ‘consumer’ demands can help build strong and equitable relationships from farm through to fashion and design industries.My ambition is to demonstrate that the materials we use in the design sector can positively impact the sustainability of our local farming communities in the UK and that these materials are not only accessible, but commercially viable and creatively inspiring.
Many thanks to McDonald's UK and Ireland for their sponsorship and support.