No Mans Land

No Man’s Land is a collection that reflects my identity as an emerging designer through longevity, wearability, and durability. Inspired by family heritage and my fascination with fashion history, the ready-to-wear collection features tailored, uniform-inspired silhouettes informed by research into military dress and the evolution of New Zealand fashion before, during, and after WWII. Sustainably sourcing materials is my small but conscious effort to divert textile waste, aligning my practice with SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. All but one of the fabrics in this collection are second-hand or deadstock. My volunteer experience at Stitch Kitchen exposed me to a diverse range of fabrics, strengthening my ability to recognise fibers and select high-quality materials. Through my design exploration, I discovered parallels between wartime fabric rationing and contemporary sustainable design: both shaped by creativity, resourcefulness, and respect for materials. 

Image: Matilda Macandrew, HMU: Holly Grace Spence, Model: Clementine George