"An Ode to Shirley"

My recent graduate collection, "An Ode to Shirley," was deeply personal, drawing inspiration from my grandmother, Shirley, who first introduced me to the art of knitting and sewing when I was a child. This collection tells a poignant story about how memories evolve and become distorted over time, exploring the fragility and impermanence of recollection through knitted textile techniques and floral imagery. Using crochet as a central technique, I sought to reflect the fading nature of memory, through the visual representation of blooming flowers. The purposeful loose ends and fraying found throughout the samples and garments symbolise the gradual unravelling of recollections as time passes.

The materials and yarns used throughout the collection were originally owned by my nan, Shirley. By repurposing these materials, I was able to give them a second life, embracing sustainability and minimising waste. This approach not only preserves their sentimental value but also aligns with my commitment to environmentally conscious design.

Inspired by this concept, I designed crochet bags with intentional loose threads, offering a wearable interpretation of the fleeting nature of memory. Through my creations, I was able to merge sustainability with storytelling, creating pieces that are both fashionable and meaningful, all while repurposing materials in a conscious and eco-friendly manner.