An Ode to Everyone I’ve Ever Loved, and to All Who Have Ever Loved Me

Extending the life of our existing textiles plays an important role in reducing global textile waste. Re-envision a new life for existing textiles by taking a deep dive into clothing and home good restoration through the artistic and time-honored practices of mending and repurposing. Share your stories through documentation of where and how the original cloth was sourced and made, noting how your materials and methods create a new path towards sustainability for that cloth. Re-envision naturally.

chesapeake fibershed

I am working with 100% cotton bedsheets passed down from family members for this project. The bodice design is inspired by a white peplum tank top from 2013 that my grandmother and I shared, a garment filled with emotional and sentimental value. I distinctly remember purchasing it together at the mall, and throughout my childhood, we often shared clothes, which deepened my appreciation for fashion. My grandmother’s influence is a significant part of why I cherish this art form, and incorporating her memory into my work is a personal tribute I strive to achieve.

With this project, I want to emphasize the importance of sustainability. My goal is to capture the attention of those who may have yet to consider the environmental impact of fashion. As a woman in this industry, I've observed that it can be challenging to shift the focus toward the logistics and sustainability of fashion. Yet, I’ve noticed that a beautifully designed white dress never fails to draw attention. While white dresses are often associated with bridal wear, this particular dress represents love in a broader sense

love for family, tradition, love, and sustainability.

Every element of this dress is imbued with personal significance, carrying stories and memories woven into the fabric. The sheets I’m using were passed down by my family. I remember the countless sleepovers I shared with my friends and cousins. The feeling of those sheets brings me back to those moments of closeness, where love wasn’t spoken but felt in the comfort of being surrounded by family. They aren’t just fabrics; they carry the traces of life lived, the beauty of celebration, laughter, and the simplicity of connection.

This dress is not just a garment but a symbol of the love, memories, and connections that have shaped me. From my grandmother’s top in the bodice to the bedsheets, each piece tells a story of those I’ve loved and who have loved me. It symbolizes the intimacy of shared moments and the lasting impact of love. This dress is, in essence, a tangible expression of everyone and everything that has touched my life, crafted not just with fabric but with love, memory, and legacy.