RENEW: Degree project

Renew is my response to the increased disconnect we feel with our younger selves. By recognising that the sensation of physical touch and play become less important when growing up, the collection is a personal way of exploring the connection with my inner child, and questions how I can reconnect with her through exploring our relationship with play. By observing and documenting how children interact with toys and objects, the collection captures the carefree childhood joy that is missing when we grow up. The fabrics use the innocence of bright and playful colours to relate to the immersive imagination of our younger selves. Textured materials and materials that make noise have been used as embellishments between the double cloth weaves, concealed to reference the hidden anxiety my inner child and I feel about growing up. These hidden embellishments invite the user to engage and touch the cloth, with this interaction stimulating feelings of pure, childish fun. By interacting with the garments, and exploring their properties, the user is invited to renew their connection with their present-day self, to feel fulfilled and to love their inner child.