This is a narrative-driven fashion mini-collection that explores the impacts of isolation and fear. Using the COVID-19 pandemic as a point of reference, this work proposes that the impacts of a world-altering event are indelible and irrevocably change humanity. Integrated into our DNA, we cannot remove the impacts of COVID-19 like a face mask. How does this change the way we see ourselves? How does it change the way we see each other?
During the pandemic, with more than enough time on my hands, I started to think "what if this never ends?" What would the world be like if we continued to live in a continuous state of isolation? These questions got me thinking about the kinds of people that would emerge from COVID-19. Humans whose very DNA had been altered by the virus.
Eventually this pondering turned into my first fashion collection, which contained a series of six coats that imagine a hypothetical future where a new society is born. The collection supposes a timeline that diverges ever more greatly from our own. In this world, your air and space is your own and cannot be violated by another. The people in this society dress increasingly to satisfy this need for isolation, distance, and solitude. Inhale. Exhale.
Looking to uniforms in the medical and military fields, both modern and historic helped to inform the designs, colours and silhouettes of this collection. Using a colour palette from biohazard-suit yellow to the sanitary mint of hospital scrubs, the collection exalts frontline workers. It honours the air.
During this time I thought a lot about loss. Family members who had big impacts on my life passed, I was forced to give up work and schooling opportunities, and spending time with anyone was hard. I felt guilty suggesting casual hangouts.
I think that many people can relate to my experience and the pain inflicted by a global pandemic. So for me, this collection became a talisman to ward off greater harms. By finding beauty and inspiration in a dark time, I saved myself from encountering a worse fate.
Writing, sketching, experimenting, sewing and repeat. I worked on this collection for about 18 months before presenting the final mini-collection. The first pieces reference identifiable clothing most closely and slowly they diverge as they move along this imagined timeline.
Most pieces took several months to make, as I explored new techniques and silhouettes to express my ideas. It was a difficult task, but led to some worthy explorations. I hope that it will help to inspire others as much as I felt inspired making it.
