W: Jason King I: Mike Welch: @sixbyfour.photography

In the vibrant landscape of Graduate Fashion Week 2025, few collections managed to marry technical precision with raw, personal narrative as effectively as Ellis Hutton’s debut. A graduate of Sheffield Hallam University’s BA (Hons) Fashion Design program, Hutton has emerged as a standout talent in contemporary knitwear, using his craft to navigate the complexities of neurodiversity. His graduate collection, titled "We’re All Mad Here," is more than just a seasonal offering—it is a tactile exploration of the ADHD mind, distilled into intricate, wearable art.

Hutton’s work is deeply rooted in his personal experience with ADHD, which he was diagnosed with at age 16. Rather than viewing the condition as a barrier, Hutton leans into the abstract way of thinking that characterizes his neurodivergence. In this collection, the chaos and hyper-focus often associated with a racing mind are translated into complex knitted structures. The title itself—a nod to the surrealism of Alice in Wonderland—suggests a world where the unconventional is the norm, and where the perceived "madness" of neurodiversity is transformed into beautiful, sculptural form.

The collection is defined by the use of knitted moulage, a sophisticated technique where the garment is draped and shaped directly on the mannequin or body. This approach allows Hutton to create silhouettes that feel both organic and architectural. By utilizing wool as his primary medium, he plays with tension and relief to create heavy-gauge knits that evoke a sense of protection, contrasted with more open, airy structures. The results are bold, oversized proportions that challenge the standard drape of traditional knitwear, effectively turning each piece into a wearable sculpture.

There is also a clear dialogue in Hutton's work between historical dress and modern abstraction. He frequently takes the restrictive silhouettes of the past, such as corsetry and bustles, and reimagines them through the soft and often unpredictable lens of modern knitting. This blend of historical influence and contemporary technique has solidified his reputation as a designer who values authenticity over trend-chasing. By showcasing his work at the Future Now Festival of Creativity, Hutton has proven that neurodiversity is a superpower in the design studio, capable of producing work that is as intellectually stimulating as it is aesthetically striking.