UPROOTED
Category: Apparel
Competitions: Fashion Competition 2025
My collection UPROOTED is a deeply personal exploration of identity, belonging, and coming-of-age. Drawing from the richness of my multicultural upbringing and the many moves around the world that shaped my formative years, the collection captures the beauty and complexity of growing up between places, cultures, and identities. Tartan print textiles feature prominently, inspired by the red, white, and blue plastic shopping bags that have become a global symbol of movement and temporary belonging. These more grounded tartan print textiles are contrasted with soft, lacy crochet pieces inspired by a Mozambican capulana flower print blending, cultures and depicting the melting pot nature of the collection. At the core of UPROOTED is a deep commitment to sustainability. Every piece is hand crafted exclusively from 100% biodegradable, natural fibres, using slow and conscious methods such as hand knitting, crochet, and hand stitching. The collection features GOTS-certified South African cotton, hand-dyed in small batches by ColourSpun, a local, ethical yarn business. Irish linen sourced from Thomas Ferguson, one of the last remaining linen mills in Ireland and adds a second layer of cultural significance, reflecting both sides of my mixed Irish and South African heritage. Beyond fabric choices, great care was taken to ensure every detail is sustainable: organic cotton threads, sustainable elastic made from organic cotton and natural. shell buttons, and zero synthetic components. These choices not only align with my values as a designer, but also speak to my broader mission which is to honour slow and artisanal practice and promote ethical, environmentally conscious fashion. My passion for sustainable design is rooted in lived experience. Growing up across various African and Asian countries, I witnessed firsthand the impact of climate change on vulnerable communities. These experiences have driven my resolve to challenge harmful industry practices and to create fashion that is not only beautiful and meaningful, but also responsible and restorative. UPROOTED is a celebration of the beautiful cultures that have shaped me, weaving together my unique coming-of-age stories into a collection that honors the richness of a life lived between worlds through sustainable and conscious design.
