'PREPARED' (Pre-submission) - 2020 GRADUATE COLLECTION

My 2020 Graduate Collection after the first deadline, so there is still a lot to be done! My final collection is designed for the ‘Woman who always has to be prepared for everything’, a response to today’s turbulent and unpredictable world. It has evolved to become an extension of my own feelings and reactions to my experience in today’s world. It will be made up of a series of functional garments marrying sixties silhouettes and detailing with a contemporary utilitarian aesthetic. I was inspired by the 1960’s as I began this project by looking at myself and my family, specifically my grandparents that came to Britain in the 60’s as part of the Windrush. This led me to look at human migration patterns and the similarities between the 60’s and today, especially the feelings towards immigration. I was also inspired by the fashion of the 60’s as it was very forward thinking and a time when function really became significant in womenswear due to the Space Race. My collection is situated in some non-specific point in the future, giving it a dystopian feel, where we are feeling the consequences of climate change and border control, and the wearer must be prepared for any number of unpredictable situations. In such uncertain times (politically/environmentally/culturally) I have looked to the past for solutions and to bring peace of mind to the wearer by creating highly functional clothing that allows them to be prepared for everything and anything they may encounter.