As the designer of "1968", my design ethos revolves around using fashion as a powerful medium for storytelling and emotional expression. "1968" is a deeply personal collection created to honor my father, who tragically died in a plane crash. Combining leather and denim, the collection symbolizes resilience and durability, essential for navigating grief. The airplane wing-inspired silhouettes and grunge aesthetic reflect the raw reality of loss, with spray-painted '68's paying homage to my father's birth year. Intimate touches, like my sister's poem and my grandmother's hand-knitted labels, weave familial love into each piece. My design ethos revolves around emotion and storytelling, similar to how Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood infuse their work with personal narratives and bold statements. This collection continues my journey of using fashion to evoke emotion and empower individuals. By addressing the often-unspoken theme of grief, "1968" fits seamlessly into contemporary art, offering a platform for dialogue and connection. Like my previous work, it challenges societal norms and encourages self-expression, inviting viewers to find strength in vulnerability. Inspired by the likes of McQueen and Westwood, my work explores the intersection of personal history and broader social issues. Techniques such as spray painting and distressing denim are crucial to the collection, adding layers of meaning and texture that mirror the complexities of loss. This approach not only enhances the visual impact but also ensures the longevity and resilience of each piece. "1968" fits within a larger series of projects where I explore themes of love, loss, and memory, contributing to an ongoing conversation about grief in art and fashion. By integrating personal stories and emotional depth, my work resonates with audiences on a deeply human level, aiming to inspire and empower through shared experiences. As with all my collections, I am committed to using eco-friendly materials and ethical production methods, aligning with my belief that fashion can be a force for good. "1968" represents a fusion of personal history and contemporary relevance, a testament to love's enduring power and an invitation to break the silence surrounding grief. It celebrates individuality and self-expression, aiming to inspire and connect, while contributing to a more inclusive and forward-thinking fashion industry.
