Year 3
Bachelor of Sustainable Fashion Design
As a designer, my work exists at the intersection of history, identity, and socio-political critique, using fashion as a medium to challenge systemic forces and foster ethical reflection. I believe fashion has the power to transcend its surface function, becoming a mirror of societal fears and a critique of consumerism, identity politics, and cultural memory.
My practice is deeply informed by the cyclical nature of trauma and the parallels between contemporary crises and historical adversity. Through revisiting the past, I seek to confront how our collective history shapes the present while questioning the fetishization of cultural pain. My approach draws on the concept of the feminine sublime, embracing the acceleration and chaos of our globalized world while encouraging a mindful, ethical perspective. Sustainability is at the heart of my work, achieved through the use of found materials and deconstructed garments. These choices are not just practical; they carry cultural weight, serving as artifacts of the zeitgeist and symbols of resourcefulness in a world overindulged in the production of the new. Through this process, I aim to create designs that reflect a balance between innovation and responsibility.
Informed by critical theories on the politics of fashion, my designs challenge traditional constructs of gender, identity, and agency. Fashion is inherently political, and I see it as a tool for both individual expression and systemic critique. My work intentionally blurs the boundaries of traditional gender norms, offering wearers the freedom to define their identities while rejecting the exploitative practices of fast fashion. The goal is to craft garments that are inclusive, functional, and reflective of the complexities of our modern age.
Satire also plays a vital role in my design philosophy. By incorporating elements of humor and subversion, I aim to critique socio-political structures in an accessible way, blending artistic autonomy with social commentary. This approach transforms fashion into a communicative tool, fostering dialogue and encouraging viewers to consider deeper issues.
I also draw inspiration from the paradoxes of systems and authority, recognizing that creative practices are inextricably tied to the structures they seek to challenge. Acknowledging this paradox allows me to navigate the system critically, without guilt or complacency.
My designs aim to provoke thought, question societal norms, and empower others to envision change. Ultimately, my work is about creating meaningful connections between the wearer, the garment, and the broader cultural narrative. I seek to use fashion not only as an aesthetic practice but as a transformative tool to address societal dilemmas, inspire action, and redefine our collective story.
By integrating historical, ethical, and political insights, I strive to craft designs that resonate deeply with the present while imagining a more inclusive and sustainable future.
