NATHALIE BALLOUT

The concept behind my SS19 collection was largely influenced by the “throw-away society” that is present today. I feel that people nowadays are unaware to how and where things are made which leads people to overconsume, overproduce and discard goods instead of re-using and repurposing. I believe if there was more storytelling through clothing people might cherish what they purchase a little bit more. Using that storytelling aspect that I so love in clothing, I used this collection to delve deeper into my mixed heritage. Through my research, I discovered beautiful stories told in old photographs that I wanted to celebrate. I interpreted these memories by drawing them with my eyes closed. Doing this allowed me the fluidity to express these drawings as organically as possible which can be seen in the hand embroidery I produced. Paired with the second-hand Levi’s jeans I use to create my pieces, I was able to Incorporate antique Swedish handcrafted linens, allowing the story of the women who created them to live on.