Kelpers Retreat

My Final Major Project is a size-inclusive women's wear collection that tells the story of my grandfather relocating to the Falkland Islands in the 1950s—a remote, rural area known for its simple, isolated way of life. Growing up, the tales of these islands were woven into my childhood memories, painting a vivid picture of a place often described as "lost in time. Drawing inspiration from the windswept hills and heathlands of the Falkland Islands, I have created a six-outfit collection featuring textile elements such as boiled wool and knit. I delved into my personal connection to this distant place through my collection, reflecting my vibrant perceptions of the Falklands. The extreme winds that define the islands are expressed in my collection featuring a windswept look throughout. I have incorporated washing lines into my project which was inspired by the winds that sweep across the islands. It is said that nothing grows above ankle height in the Falkland Islands; this is echoed throughout my collection, with all garments designed to be above ankle length. Structural accents, crafted from wooden doweling, pay homage to the basic, stripped-back lifestyle of the Falklands, intertwined with references to milkmaid carrying poles and the Land Army for historical depth.