The veil between the worlds

An exploration of the celebration of the feminine. Inspired by the eco feminist interpretation of the Arthurian tale of the well maidens - that draws the conclusion; ‘the despoiling of the earth and the subjugation of women are intimately connected’ - and rooted in the folk wear and lore of my heritage (German and Bulgarian), as well as the place I call home - Cornwall. Through this lens I have examined and practiced the ways in which garments and objects can be imbued with magical and protective properties. Collating hidden and forgotten knowledge around the ability of elevating objects from mere matter to an emotionally durable vessel. I believe that to be able to efficiently practice and achieve emotionally durable design - as well as reinvent the fashion industry, and others alike - the way in which we view the feminine and its associated traits as lesser than the masculine desperately needs to change. The core elements of my approach to design are all demonstrated in this final collection. I am committed to the idea that clothes are made to fit us, not the other way around. In my final year I have been exploring the complete de and reconstruction of the way in which we size garments. A key part of this has been the creation of garments with the ability to fluctuate in shape and size - the ability to ‘shapeshift’ - through the use of channels, draw strings, ties, buttonholes, lace holes, pleats etc. that allow for post-production manipulation. This is an enabler of efficient emotionally durable and heirloom design, due to the garments ability to accompany a person through inevitable fluctuation, as well as shift to fit someone new in the case of being passed on or down. Reoccurring themes in my work include folk lore and the ethereal - the female and feminine experience - the intrinsic connection between women, craft, education, community and nature, which I engage with through the embedding of very hands-on textile practices within my designs.