“Some say the world will end in fire. Some say in ice” – Robert Frost. ‘After’ is a unisex collection that explores the conflict between function and decoration in garments. Set in 2040, my fictional character faces a plight caused by weather conditions and faces the difficult choice of dressing for the weather elements or for ornament. Traditional closet staples are re-contextualised and fused with emergency service workwear garments featuring essentials such as undersuits and gloves. My aim was to create a collection that features a fusion of decorative elements drawn from the natural world and undersuits inspired by emergency workwear garments. The collection features flowers laser-cut out of waterproof fabrics as a decorative element inspired by Hepatica flowers and eyelets. For undersuits, I drew inspiration from an ex- RAF immersion suit, deep sea diving gear, and firemen workwear. The collection’s silhouettes reference Robert Frost’s, “Fire and Ice” poem softened by flowers and drawstring fastenings.
