For many of us, life is a series of commitments, whether that’s social events, family gatherings or meetings. With restaurants closed, holidays cancelled, and concerts postponed, lockdown has meant our diaries are suddenly empty as we’re confined to stay within our own homes. The COVID pandemic has been an uncertain time for us all and it is only natural the stark change that has been difficult to adjust to has affected our mental health in different ways. As we reshape our needs and desires to a form of ‘self-care’, despite having nowhere to go, we shouldn’t hide away the joy of dressing up – staying in can be just as fun as going out!
Designed to uplift spirits through design and material, the collection will give enjoyment to those who of wear it. The fond memories brought to me through my ‘happy place’, Abersoch, a beachside town in North Wales where I have spent my summers with friends and family, will create the content for these pieces. Focussing on the organic patterns, shapes and natural forms of the surroundings.
The collection is designed in fabrics that feel luxurious on the skin, typical of the fabrics produced for eveningwear but instead to create a homely story with an indulgent edge, with designs to be worn within the home. The clothes will represent and respond to the changing relationship within the home, a place for work, rest and play looking into exploring the new fusion of blending smart wear and loungewear/nightwear. The collection is mood enhancing, designed to make you feel, stylish and beautiful, yet with a fun feel to them.
A large scale show piece designed in context to be a dressing robe. Printed on a Crepe Silk, inspired by the linear, circular patterns found on the rocks in Abersoch. It features a contrasting pink bordered edge as well as a navy free hand lace.
I have always been very inspired by the beauty and patterns in nature, and it has been the main inspiration of my work since my very first GCSE art exam. Consequently, for my graduate collection, I combined this and my passion for high end, tactile, sensual fabrics to create a luxury loungewear collection. I was particularly inspired by a quote by Chioma Nnadi from the Vogue October 2020 issue, it read, ‘we’ve gone from dressing to look good, to dressing to feel good'. This was something that I could really relate to during lockdown, getting changed out of your everyday loungewear and dressing up in something that made you look and feel good, just for yourself.
