Born and raised in West Sussex, I am inspired by the rich folklore of the region and in turn fairytales, using fashion to bring to life the lessons of these stories. Having grown up in the countryside, I have found great delight in using my imagination and reading books to escape and to learn. I often use stories to influence my work and am interested in how fashion can create a narrative and open portals to other worlds. Knitwear and print allow me to emphasise these narratives and play around with how clothes and the wearer are perceived.
In the forest, a young woman falls under the spell of the Erl-King and is transformed into a delicate bird. Yet, discovering her inner strength, she breaks free from his enchantment, and turns herself back into a woman. Inspired by Angela Carter’s tale of the Erl-King, this collection explores how clothing can empower and reflect a strong feminine identity.
I have used a mixture of woven and knit, some new and deadstock, to create a textural collection that immerses the wearer into this fairytale world. My work features hand drawn one off monoprints, with the aim of emphasising this narrative and highlighting the ephemeral nature of folklore and the act of handing down stories.
The photoshoot was a crucial element in bringing this collection to life, not only capturing the essence of Angela Carter’s storytelling but also weaving its own unique narrative. I invited friends, women who hold significant places in my life, to model my work. This allowed me to highlight the intricate layers of the collection – from woven fabrics to knits and prints – each element building upon the other to create a bright and tangible fantasy. The result was a rich tapestry of textures and colours that tell a story on their own.
