Year 3
Bachelor of Sustainable Fashion Design
Matrilineal explores the systemic control of life under capitalism and its inherent patriarchal order. This collection has been informed by my own investigation into the overlap of trauma I share with my community and the systemic issues we are facing globally.
Capitalism has formed the foundation for a way of life that serves efficiency, self-interest, and growth unconditionally. Because of the rigid structure under this system diversity, community, culture, and liberty have suffered. Populations that have been deemed unfavorable or resisted conformity have had to fight to survive, causing intergenerational disadvantage, neglect, and dysfunction among these communities. Women and nonsex/ gender conforming individuals are just one group that have suffered at the hands of capitalism.
Feminism has taken on many faces throughout its history, with each movement advocating for a variety of different ideological pursuits. Early feminist movements in the west obtained the right to vote, with second wave feminism securing access to economic equality. To say we have achieved equality under capitalism would be a major oversight, I would argue that the progress we have seen has occurred in spite of capitalism. My collection pushes for a continuation of this momentum as we push through the restrictions under capitalism. This is a call to initiate the deconstruction of capitalism as we rebuild into a collective that values dynamism, variety, and collaboration.
Consumerism under capitalism is killing the planet and the very life upon it. Fashion under capitalism has become a core global contributor to this destruction. My collection does not exist to build a brand or business. This collection merely exists as a channel to capture my experience as I age. My selection of cotton canvas, merino and silk are all sourced from local suppliers based in Auckland. My focus on supporting the local economy and reinvesting into my community has become a necessity as I navigate the value of money and its power as an individual and a creative. My colour palette and textile selection are carefully curated to narrate my collection, the combination of comfort and constriction carefully builds a visual narrative upon the body. The restrictive denim and its light tones are intended to capture the rigidity and restriction of capitalism whilst still capturing its power and holy status among men. My silk and merino represent the dynamic nature of life and our differences. Each body fills its gentle drape uniquely, creating a custom result for each individual that wears it. The wine stained fabric intended to highlight our humanity and the blood that unites us.
