"BEES, GLORIOUS BEES"

Growing up in the Lake District my love for the outdoors and nature inspired my collection. Bees are such a vital element to the environment and the future of our planet, many people do not realise how significant they are to the survival of the human race. My concept relates to bees, beekeeping and the traditional protective wear worn by the apiarists. The print was inspired by the intricate and abstract form of the honeycomb taken from a primary photograph and the colour was inspired through the ultraviolet vision in which bees see, looking at bold, iridescent colours. This was combined with elements of the military uniform worn by the Chinese terracotta warriors. My fabric choice was influenced by my own personal aesthetic combined with outerwear and sportswear to demonstrate the protective wear layer for both the bee suit and armour of the terracotta warriors.