Year 3
Bachelor of Sustainable Fashion Design
The jovial images of young priests captured by Giacomelli revived the scepticism I had as a child surrounding suffering induced worship for God within the Catholic Church. The juxtaposition between the solitary archetype and unexpected spontaneous enjoyment distorted my idea of dichotomy between pleasure and piety. CHIAROSCURO became a source for me to critically explore my evolving interpretation of spirituality, individual identity and collective idolisation. I wanted to reflect on my separation from organised religion through my child and adult relationships, offering a reimagining of spirituality that is rooted in nonconformity and the reclaiming of self-expression.
CHIAROSCURO exposes the disorientation of growing up in a world split by tradition and deviation. I believe religion, in many ways, has become a synthetic form of acceptance – a system that pressures young people to suppress desires of exploring their true selves to avoid rejection. This is particularly damaging in relation to marginalised identities – especially those around gender and sexuality. The repression of these identities, often framed as moral or virtuous way heavy on the emotional toll on young minds, contributing to feelings of anxiety, depression and alienation.
The collection traces the arc of my personal journey, expressed through five stages: fear, restriction, confusion, self-exploration, and self-acceptance. These stages serve as metaphors for the emotional conflict faced by many who struggle to reconcile their personal identities with societal or religious expectations. The tailored garments in CHIAROSCURO contrast with distressed, deconstructed elements confront the “flawless” but rigid Catholic ideology of concealment. Recognising the internal struggle of meeting outward perfection. The organic scar-like embroidery scattered across the garments acts as visual metaphors for emotional healing—acknowledging pain while also embracing the process of recovery and resilience.
A central element of this collection is the use of natural dyes and traditional bespoke tailoring techniques, which reflect my commitment to sustainability and circular regenerative practices. These methods are not just aesthetic choices; they are part of a broader vision to address the pressing environmental and social crises we face today. By integrating regenerative practices into my work, I aim to challenge the unsustainable and exploitative cycles in the fashion industry, advocating instead for craftsmanship that values both the ethical preservation of our planet and social concern.
CHIAROSCURO addresses the tumultuous experience of navigating identities that oppose dominant cultural and religious beliefs. Through this collection, I hope to offer a space for those who have felt shamed or rejected – particularly for those who have struggled to align their true identities with the expectations of their communities. I seek to provide a sense of recognition and validation for these individuals, demonstrating through my work the power of vulnerability and authenticity. Fashion, as an art form, has the power to speak profound human truths, to heal, and to bring about social change.
By embracing both the complexity of human identity and the urgent need for ecological regeneration, CHIAROSCURO, beyond a fashion collection is a plea for empathy, understanding, and the radical acceptance of ourselves and others in all our forms.
