Fashion Design (with applied textiles)

Invasion explores mental health through the idea of invasive and carnivorous plants, showing how negative thoughts can grow, spread and slowly take over. The collection focuses on the feeling of being overwhelmed, where something small builds over time and becomes difficult to control.

This idea is shown through knitwear and quilting, creating layered and textured surfaces inspired by plant forms such as veins and tendrils. Fringing is used throughout to represent growth spreading outwards, extending beyond the garments and suggesting movement and loss of control. The silhouettes are inspired by the Venus Flytrap and Sarracenia Purpurea. The collection develops across 6 looks, starting with more fitted and controlled silhouettes where the growth appears subtle. As the looks progress, the garments become larger and more exaggerated, showing how these thoughts can grow and begin to take over. By the final look, the body is almost fully covered, representing a complete loss of control as the growth consumes the wearer. Although the use of bright pinks and greens feels playful, the vibrant colours contrast with the darker meaning behind the work. This shows how the struggles with mental health are not always visible on the outside. Overall, Invasion reflects the experience of losing control, as growing thoughts begin to take over completely.

Work Placement – ACIEN – London