My graduate collection is derived from a narrative that explores desire; desire to become a part of the unexplored realms of the deep ocean. I realise my values of slow fashion and craftsmanship through the individuality and explorative nature of the forms and techniques.
With metamorphosis as a stimulus, I set out to depict how the sea could disfigure the human silhouette permanently. Solidity and permanence became a central aspect of the collection. I generated digital prints to be manipulated by heat, bonding, resin and vacuum forming, using photography that explored “What would you see if you were snared in the depths?”
Directed by my research I chose neoprene, jersey, foam and other discarded fabrics that pay homage to the theme. The collection invites the wearer to escape to an unworldly, alien environment where the wearer is no more than a being of nature.
“Full Fathom Five thy mother lies;
Of her bones are coral made;
Those are pearls that were her eyes:
Nothing of her that doth fade
But doth suffer a sea-change
Into something rich and strange.
Sea-nymphs hourly ring her knell
Hark! Now I hear them – Ding-dong, bell.”
Shakespeare’s The Tempest (with gender changed)
- Please Note: 2 months before my project was due to be completed the University closed due to COVID-19. With no access to workshops and studio, it was not possible to produce a fully-realised collection so my work is represented in the samples you see here.
