I did it ! I took the leap and set myself the challenge of designing a collection for the 2026 Macleay Valley Fashion Show, transforming reclaimed textiles into garments that celebrate creativity, sustainability, and craftsmanship.
I wanted to make a collection that reflects the coast, the slow pasted living and less complicated life.
Each piece in this collection is designed to tell a story.
I begin with the fabric itself - letting each piece guide the direction of the design. I look for details that inspire: seams, marks, colour combinations and they become the starting point. All materials in this collection have been sourced from local Op-shops, friends and end of line suppliers.
I was inspired by the idea that fabrics hold memories, and that by reimagining them, their stories can be carried forward and shared across generations. One of the garment in this collection is made from a blue silk piece given to me by my neighbour, it was initially bought for a wedding, instead it is now glowing on the runway.
For the fabric that remains, I have been inspired by Birgitta Helmersson’s ‘Sewing with Scraps’ and experimented with her designs. The ‘What remains’ Boxy Top was a concentrated effort of mounting pre-cut circles of fabric scarps and stitching them on one by one to make the garment piece!!
I hope you all enjoy this collection and take some inspiration from it.