Arts Thread

‘Growing Pains’ refers to my journey through my studies. I designed from the perspective of being in a transitional stage of life; graduating and looking ahead to the different stages of life to come. I pictured what I would want to wear, and keep in my wardrobe; creating pieces that are feminine and expressive yet versatile. Each piece can be incorporated into outfits made up of one's existing wardrobe or worn together as sets. The "Duo Vest" is reversible, the "Amelia Bloomers" (pictured on Yulia in the 'Runway Image' and Joyammi in the 'Studio Image') can be worn gathered or un-gathered and the "Ruch Skirt" can be worn ruched or un-ruched. My mum became one of the cornerstone inspirations in the designing process and is pictured wearing the "Duo Vest" and "Duo Skirt" outfit in the 'Studio Image'. This collection challenges the idea of what timeless clothing means and looks like. Seeking a more personal connection with our clothes and considering each piece's timelessness within the context of our own wardrobe, inadvertently encourages a passively sustainable relationship with fashion. It also encourages the wearer to explore their own style and inner creative. ~80% of materials were locally sourced deadstock.

For a project exploring the concept of 'Avant Garde' I made a wearable body plate piece out of copper wire, using a technique inspired by wire-wrapped jewelry. In time the copper will patina to match the cool toned outer fabric. Underneath the body piece is an asymmetric shift dress with outer layers of organzas; a plain orange under a shot (two-tone) green-blue. I created texture and shaping to the organzas with a textile manipulation method called boiled shibori. The contrasting cool and warm tones layered over each other are meant to illicit a feeling of unease and wonder simultaneously. For its sister outfit, the commercial diffusion of the original, I focused on the shapes and textures. I mimicked the effects of them with freehand machine embroidery and gathered ruffles. You can see this being worn in the 2023 'Zonta' fashion show in Dunedin by Yulia Kiseleva (Aart Model Management), photographed by Chris Sullivan of 'Seen In Dunedin'. The inspiration behind the pieces came from my struggle with my mental health. I tried to explore how it feels to grow and shape your identity while experiencing mental health problems. I envisioned mental illness as something that can envelop you and grow like vines, the good intertwines with the bad, to result in a multi-layered person. I referenced this visually through the organic form of the body piece and the layering of the organzas. ~80% of materials for both outfits were sourced second hand.

An illustrated lineup and an actualised sample dress called the 'Cocktail Mini'. The inspiration came from the Victorian's love of Scheele's green; the colour that required arsenic for it's brightness and killed many who loved it despite it's deadly nature. All the death would cause more people to wear black in mourning, which is referenced with the black organza "vieling" the bright green of the brocade beneath. Photographed in studio by Anna Harcus, modelled by me.

Upcycled patchwork pants made in collaboration with and to fundraise for the Red Cross Dunedin op shop.

A Dr. Seuss style illustration I drew and screen printed on the cotton sateen matching set I designed and made in my Certificate course. Photographed by Veronica Wallace (myself).

Two variations of a small 'Utilitarian' collection; one focusing on the technical features and the aesthetic of practical utility wear whilst ironically being Avant Garde, and the other, a collection that aims to be wearable and timeless without losing out on the charm not often associated with utility.