My graduate collection draws inspiration from the outdoors, specifically women’s hiking attire, with a modern reinterpretation. The project began with an exploration of various decades of women’s walking clothing, and I found the Edwardian era particularly captivating. I was struck by the impracticality of women having to hike in heavy skirts and corsets, while men enjoyed the comfort of lightweight trousers and breathable shirts. Despite the challenges posed by their clothing, women of that time never allowed it to stop them from participating in the activities they loved. I found this resilience deeply empowering, especially considering the limited autonomy women had back then. In contrast, today, people often hesitate to leave their homes unless they have the "right" shoes. This mindset, I believe, speaks volumes about the strength and determination of those early women, and I wanted to explore this message within my collection. Growing up in an outdoor-loving family, I’m no stranger to long hikes and muddy bike rides. I’ve drawn inspiration from my family’s experiences, particularly analysing the clothes we wore for different activities. I vividly remember my parents often saying, “It’s not a fashion show!” as we prepared for outdoor adventures. This meant that our outfits rarely matched aesthetically—prints clashed, colours didn’t coordinate—but the key focus was always on functionality. Staying warm and dry in winter, regardless of how we looked, was what truly mattered. This practical approach to dressing is reflected in my collection, where the textiles themselves take centre stage. One of the most significant influences on my designs is the pattern inspiration drawn from caravan upholstery. Spending weekends camping and summers in a caravan, I often found the furnishings aesthetically unappealing, but there was a beauty in their unapologetic, utilitarian design.