My collection’s purpose is to reveal and invite scepticism into human nature, specifically by manipulating material choices and relationships to explore the principle of balance. As human beings, we have an intrinsic desire to assign purpose to our lives (Camus 1955). My collection follows a philosophical idea that it is in human nature to find and formulate problems, in hopes that the search and realisation of a solution will provide a feeling of purpose and control. 

This concept physically manifests as materials of contrasting mass, which are thoughtfully constructed and arranged so that the balance of their weight on the body and tension against gravity is the force that holds the garment together. My production process asks, “How can the weight of a garment be exactly what keeps it together?,” in the same way that I ponder, “How is it that universal balance - good vs bad, struggle vs accomplishment, chaos vs control - is exactly what provides a human life with purpose?” My work proposes that the desire for a life of comfort is futile, and that the search for discomfort, challenge, and tension is just as important in the construction of a complete self. 

Material and fabrication decisions are highly influenced by the Australian Bush, where granite stones from the Earth and locally sourced Jarrah wood play a large role in exploring the relationship between heavyweight form and lightweight fabric. Using 100% natural cotton and regenerated cupro fabric, the textural and tonal qualities of my collection are paralleled with those of the flowing water, richly coloured soil and saturated eucalyptus of the environment. In alignment with principles of organic architecture, my design process adheres to and maintains a series of principles, including the priority that my garments can exist harmoniously in the space from which they came.