As a textiles-led designer, I am guided by the natural world with an ongoing stream of inspiration that influences my thoughts and feelings. This manifests through experimental mark making using unpredictable materials such as chalk, charcoal, and ink, resulting in patterns and shapes that are impossible to replicate twice. The natural world continues to be affected by global warming and climate change. My work creates a juxtaposition between the impact of fashion on the climate and effects of climate on the natural world, inspiring a focus on sustainability that is explored using sustainably manufactured and second-hand fabrics. My process begins with mark-making, the outcomes of which are developed in ways such as digital manipulation, hand painted fabrics, 3D textures and print. I bring tactility into my work using embossed prints and large-scale smocking, an experimental process that brings different levels of 3D tactility to a plain piece of fabric. I believe that a key method for tackling sustainability in the Fashion Industry is through the design of versatile and durable garments. My focus is on the design of pieces that can be used for layering and styled in a multitude of ways alongside my textiles which I hope to use to bring less conventional materials into the high -end luxury market. ‘Weathered and Worn’ aims to communicate texture and comfort through a reflection on the world around me and the beauty that can be found. Growing up in Scotland makes for many rainy days and breeds a hardy people with a strong ‘get on with it’ attitude. Although the winter months can be dull and gloomy, the rain invokes feelings of calm and comfort when time is taken to appreciate it. My main inspiration comes from weather maps, wear and tear caused by weather, and cloud formations, with my silhouette being heavily inspired by umbrellas, specifically broken umbrellas and the mechanism of opening and closing, alongside the effect of wind on clothing.