Irrealis

Irrealis is an ode to a life almost lived, an exploration of our potential existence had my family stayed in France. Having been raised surrounded by my mothers’ precious collections and connections to her heritage, I am fascinated by what compels us to reflect, to keep, and to collect. Inspired by images of 19th and 20th century French working women, Irrealis weaves together my precious family objects and history with traditional French silhouettes. I broadened my collection beyond womenswear to include two menswear looks which enhanced my project, lifting my emotional narrative, and enabling me to acquire the further skill of pattern cutting for menswear. The majority of the fabrics I used in my collection were deadstock, most donated by employers during my placement year, as I place high value on sustainable and mindful design practice.