My collection is inspired by the unrest in today’s society and the world we live in. A time marked by corruption, silencing, and widespread political unrest. These unsettling realities have fueled my creative vision, shaping a collection that explores themes of restriction, suffocation, and oppression. Drawing inspiration from The Handmaid’s Tale, I am exploring the idea that in today’s society, voicing an opinion has become increasingly difficult, as those who express views that go against the majority risk being silenced or “cancelled” almost instantly. This is especially evident in the rise of social media, where political divisions particularly between left and right wing ideologies amplify the struggle for an open discussion.

I drew my silhouette inspiration from the handmaid bonnets and the distinct shapes their garments create, as well as the original book cover. Additionally, I was deeply influenced by the statue of Lady Justice her commanding presence and the elegant drape of her clothing inspired me to incorporate elements that evoke strength and power in my designs.
Fabric manipulation plays a crucial role in expressing these ideas. I have extensively explored techniques such as gathering, rushing, corsetry, and lacing to create a sense of constriction, echoing the feeling of being silenced.

A significant part of my design development took place in Clo3D, allowing me to refine the fit and structure of my garments. I really enjoyed incorporating Clo3D into my workflow, as it not only streamlined the process but also gave me a deeper understanding of pattern drafting

For the colour palette, I have primarily used shades of grey to symbolize the dominance of neutrality. As quoted in The Handmaid’s Tale, red symbolizes rage an emotion that simmers beneath the surface.