Held in Arabesque explores the relationship between storytelling and textile practice through the theme of dance. Using personal experience as a dancer, the project investigates physical and psychological pressure, focusing on the tension between control and freedom, perfectionism and emotional release. Rather than representing movement literally, the collection communicates dance as an emotional state through abstract design.

The project resulted in a high-end Spring/Summer evening womenswear collection that explores movement, fluidity and tension through layered mixed-media techniques. Processes including embroidery, dyeing, pleating, devoré, beading and digital print were combined to create expressive textile outcomes that reflect rhythm, gesture and motion. Through experimentation, the collection developed an understanding of how colour, fabric manipulation and sustainable textile practices can contribute to both conceptual depth and resolved design.

A key influence was the performative nature of the Christian Dior Spring/Summer 2019 collection, which reinforced the idea of fashion as emotional storytelling and performance. The expressive mark-making within Maria Grachvogel's Spring/Summer 2014 collection also inspired the communication of gesture and emotion through abstract design. Together, these influences helped shape a collection that combines contemporary textile design with personal narrative and movement-based expression.

After graduation, I will explore short courses in order to grow further knowledge as well as taking on placements to learn more within the industry. The final goal is to have my own brand.