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Raffia, and the duality of Plastic

Imagine a world where sustainability is the norm. Plastic is banned, and only biodegradable materials exist.

I am creating a collection called Raffia, and the duality of plastic, where my fashion design focuses on the contrast between natural and synthetic textures, with sustainability at its core. The inspiration for this collection stems from the interplay within interiors, where furniture with organic shapes is infused with plastic elements. I was particularly inspired by walls made of sustainable materials like bamboo or reed, woven together to form striking structures.

 

By studying furniture and garments made from reed and bamboo, I have developed a collection that amplifies the power of nature and demonstrates that nature is much stronger than we often think. Why would we choose to pollute all this beauty, when we can achieve the same in a nature-friendly way? You can recycle fabrics and reuse them to their fullest potential. Reusing an old insect curtain and sustainable cotton, instead of using materials that use a lot of water and are not biodegradable at all.

 

The dress I am showcasing on the catwalk perfectly embodies this vision, highlighting the splendour of nature in contrast to the sharpness and reflective qualities of the fringes. An accessory completes the Feng Shui of the look, crafted from the fibres of a banana plant. These fibres are tightly bound together and shaped using heat and iron wire to form a structured piece.

 

The dress features a woven reed design, creating a chequered pattern that is also reflected on the cover of my sketchbook. Who knew it could turn out like this? Although my design is not perfect, with some insecure stitching and inaccurate measurements, it has turned out just as I had envisioned it.