Collection: Serene Futurism
Provoking Protopias; the importance of textile recycling and reducing textile waste, the damages that fast fashion have on the environment, and the importance of natural fibers and upcycling existing textiles.
What does Provoking Protopias mean to you and how is that displayed through your collection?
Provoking Protopias to me has a strong focus on the regrowth of plants in our ecosystems and protecting nature from ecocide. My collection focuses specifically on our waterways and the pollution that affects them. Our oceans are calm and soothing, but also raging and violent. I believe that if we keep damaging and polluting water, it will only get more violent.
What was your inspiration to start working in fashion/textile design?
My grandma was my inspiration to start in fashion design. Growing up she was always sewing some kind of project, anything from gowns to costumes. She gifted me my first sewing machine at 13 years old and taught me how to make a dress. After she lost her battle with Leukemia, I had stopped sewing because I had no one to continue teaching me the skills and techniques. At 17, I had rediscovered all the potential career opportunities in the fashion industry and decided to pursue my passion for fashion.
What has been your creative process?
My creative process started with a photograph by Bianca MacPherson, a ceramics student here at Buffalo State University. The photogram was made using agitated water and a flash, creating a rippling effect. With the print in mind, the designs came from different elements in and around water, the crashing waves, sand on the beach, water pollution, etc. My color palette had also come from the elements around water such as rocks, algae, sand, beach glass, and beach waste. Since Provoking Protopias highlights sustainability, I incorporated vintage deadstock fabric as well as natural fiber fabrics into my collection.
What do you hope to have people take away after seeing Provoking Protopias?
I hope people will take away many things after seeing Provoking Protopias; the importance of textile recycling and reducing textile waste, the damages that fast fashion have on the environment, and the importance of natural fibers and upcycling existing textiles. I want people to get inspiration on how they can upcycle their own wardrobe and reduce their own textile carbon footprint.