Year 3
Bachelor of Sustainable Fashion Design
Salt is the mineral that represents the ocean. It is found in the earth and is essential for human life. My collection, Salt, reflects the raw textures and hardiness in the nature of West Auckland, as well as the contrasting delicate detailed patterns seen in the sand, waves and rocks when one slows down and looks again.
I have been influenced by the local landscapes and people as well as by the design philosophies of Hundertwasser and Kaffe Fassett. I looked at clothing from the late 1800s and early 1900s in New Zealand and have taken inspi- ration from the practicality and durability that I saw. With this in mind, I have designed these garments to be used day to day by their owners.
I have foraged for natural dyes with my family such as harakeke seed pods and wind swept lichen. This has given me a greater connection to the land, as well as a sense of appreciation and responsibility to care for it. I have also collected kitchen scraps such as onion skins and avocado pips for use as natural dyes.
I chose to use second hand materials, discarded curtain fabric and locally grown fibres and yarns. I have had very little control over what was given to me and have only accepted natural fibres allowing each of the garments in this collection to be returned to the earth at the end of their lives. Inspired by Kaffe Fassett, I have learnt to listen to and follow my intuition, letting the fabrics and fibres inform my designs. Like Hundertwasser, I have designed and worked from raw material to finished product, giving me a deeper connection to each garment and ensuring that the final products reflect what I see in the west coast. Salt is a symbol of my design practice showing durability and utility. Through this collection I have learnt to trust my intuition and become aware of the materials available to me in my community and in nature.
