This Once Was

June 2019 - March 2022 

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In the pursuit of ethical materials, when the term ‘ethical' is in itself incredibly complex to define, the solution can be hard to find. Surrounded by the incredible variety that a global, unregulated, synthetic textile trade offers, research told me that actually none of this was an option for me.

 

This Once Was is a collection that explores one solution, one alternative, which is the reuse and reconstruction of existing clothing made from natural fibres. All the garments in this collection were once a different garment; re-cut and re-designed into new garments using couture techniques and vintage detail. Every piece was free draped on the stand and the limitations of the shapes I had to work with from the existing garment became the agent for creativity. 

 

Given the choice, I wouldn’t assign any of the garments a size. I think the sizing systems we have cause barriers, confusion, frustration, and misunderstanding of our own precious bodies.

 

The garments are designed for longevity, so they are adjustable to make them as flexible, applicable and shareable as possible. To the same end, every garment comes with a care and repair kit. This contains a piece of the fabric which the garment is made of, an extra length of any trimmings the garment features.This way it can be cared for and repaired for years to come.