'Saudade' - My collection explores the concept of 'Saudade', the Portuguese term that describes a profound sense of longing, nostalgia and connection to something absent yet deeply cherished. As a designer with Portuguese heritage, I use knitwear as a medium to investigate personal identity, cultural memory and the emotional ties that connect us to place, family and tradition. Through material experimentation and textile development, I seek to translate these intangible feelings into physical form. Central to the collection is the use of cork, one of Portugal's most significant natural resources and a material deeply embedded within the country's cultural and environmental landscape. By combining cork with alternative materials, I challenge conventional perceptions of knitwear while celebrating the versatility and sustainability of natural resources. The juxtaposition of rigid cork surfaces with soft knitted structures creates a dialogue between strength and fragility, permanence and transience, reflecting the layered nature of memory itself. My practice combines hand knitting, crochet and machine knitting techniques, allowing me to create richly textured fabrics that embody both traditional craftsmanship and contemporary innovation. The handcrafted crochet elements act as connective frameworks, linking organic cork panels to open-knit constructions and creating garments that feel simultaneously protective and exposed. This interplay of structure and transparency echoes the experience of saudade; a tension between presence and absence, connection and distance. The collection's palette is rooted in natural tones, with warm cork browns contrasted against deep black knitted surfaces. These colours enhance the tactile qualities of the garments and emphasise the intricate stitches, layered textures and sculptural silhouettes. Openwork structures, visible seams and hand-finished details celebrate process and imperfection, reinforcing themes of authenticity and personal history. Through this collection, I aim to honour my Portuguese identity while reimagining knitwear as a space where heritage, material innovation and emotional storytelling can coexist.