Where Moss Grows
Category: Apparel
Competitions: Fashion Competition 2026
The collection explores the intricate ecosystem and relationships between aspects of the temperate rainforests of the British Isles. It examines everything from the interaction between organisms to the microclimates of these ancient landscapes. Drawing inspiration from formal garments that act as city armour, the collection is designed to reflect the softness and freedom of nature through explorative silhouettes and panneling. The key focus of the collection is circularity, layering, and longevity, both conceptually and materially. The temperate rainforests are a niche ecosystem that contains a rich and delicate array of species. The importance of preserving and nurturing these areas is vital for the continuation of their existence. “Once covering a fifth of the UK, all that remains now are scattered fragments totalling approximately 1%.” (back, 2020). Historical timber farming, clearing for farmland and more recently, urban development, have taken the forest's former coverage of 20% down to its current 1%. These ancient woodlands continue to face significant and imminent threats.“Pests, disease and invasive species, pesticides and pollution, over-grazing and the impacts of climate change all threaten the precious fragments that remain”(back, 2020). Awareness, accountability and publicity are integral to preserving what remains of the British Isles temperate rainforests. Within contemporary fashion, there is a growing disconnect between environmental awareness and the physical longevity of garments, with sustainability often treated as an aesthetic rather than a structural concern. This collection responds by embedding circularity, durability, and adaptability into the construction of each garment, ensuring environmental responsibility is addressed through natural material choice, pattern cutting, and garment lifespan.
