We're Still Here
Category: Apparel
Competitions: Fashion Competition 2025
This garment is a study in slowness, intention, and material integrity. Constructed from moss-green linen and layered with hand-cut jute fringe, natural wood beads, and buffalo bone hair pipe, the design embraces a raw, grounded aesthetic that resists fast fashion and superficial trend cycles. It originates from a deep commitment to craft; every detail shaped by hand, every process chosen for its meaning and method. The piece features thousands of jute strands individually trimmed and stitched into movement across the hem, along with a hand-laced bead overlay and loom-woven appliqué strips that anchor the design with rhythm and structure. Part of my senior collection Timeless Echoes, this garment reflects a belief that sustainability is not only about material choice, but also about time, labor, and respect. I constructed custom tools, drafted original patterns, and slowed the design process down to engage with techniques that demand presence and care. The use of natural fibers and untreated materials creates a tactile, organic dialogue between surface and silhouette. This design is not just a visual statement; it’s a physical record of process and intention. Every fiber holds the imprint of the maker. By centering slowness, honoring traditional techniques, and engaging in ethical, hands-on construction, this work challenges the conventions of production and reclaims the garment as a meaningful, enduring form of expression.
