About
I am a womenswear designer exploring themes of Catholic guilt, feminine identity, and
empowerment through experimental construction and textile manipulation. Influenced by
the opulence of religious iconography and the confidence of 1990s fashion imagery, my
work contrasts softness with structure, combining sheer fabrics, distressed textures, and
reconstructed silhouettes. My graduate collection, Catholic Guilt & Feminine Grit,
challenges the relationship between devotion and rebellion while embracing sustainable
practices through the use of repurposed and second-hand materials.
Project overview
Feminine Grit & Catholic Guilt 'Grit & Guilt'
The inspiration for this collection stems from the haunting beauty of Catholic architecture and iconography, juxtaposed with the unapologetic femininity and confidence of 1990s catwalk culture. Having been raised Catholic, despite my mother's Protestant background, I spent my formative years in Catholic school until the age of eighteen. Though I never felt a deep spiritual connection to the religion, the weight of "Catholic guilt" has lingered throughout my life. As I grew older, I became increasingly aware of the darker aspects of the Church-its contradictions, silenced histories, and concealed injustices. When I was sixteen, I met a man whose mother had been confined to a Magdalene laundry, institutions where unwed women were hidden away and mistreated. His story profoundly shaped my perspective and deepened my desire to confront these themes through fashion. This collection seeks to explore the tension between reverence and rebellion, guilt and liberation. It aims to be seductive, empowering, and unapologetically boli-garments that inspire confidence andpride. Every piece will include materials sourced in charity shops, both to reduce waste and to contribute positively to local communities. By reusing existing garments, I hope to challenge the excesses of the fashion industry while creating something meaningful, sustainable, and socially conscious
