A womenswear collection exploring the theme of childhood nostalgia and the transition to adulthood, by drawing inspiration from Regency fashion, Y2K style, and the growing trend for crafting. The target market for my collection is young professionals aged 22-28 years old, who can be categorised as Zennials, the in-between mix of Gen Z and Millennial ages and cultures.
In the wake of Covid, this market feels time and the last of their ‘adolescence’ was stolen from them and they are now expected to have a full-time job and live a functioning adult life. The contradiction of highly capable emotions and skills with the bizarre influence of social media slang and jokes give this generation a non-traditional adult perspective, which in this collection is represented by the juxtaposition in the bringing together of inspirations from Regency era fashion and early noughties nostalgia. The desire to cling to childhood nostalgia grows as adulthood approaches, which is so unlike the historical period when children had no choice but to grow up fast to avoid burdening their families. This unique market wants joyful, memorable, and trend-led pieces, which uplift and brighten the everyday, playing into the escapist ideas of dress-up as a child.
Drawing together my influences from research into the Regency era, Y2k style and crafting trends. From here my collection's aesthetic developed, taking on a carefree and joyful approach to womenswear.
Focusing on craft techniques, like embroidery and knit, to introduce texture to my collection, and appeal to my market, who want their garments to have unique and memorable elements, which link to their childhood nostalgia.
Building on my collections narrative, I selected bright colours which both compliment and contrast one another. The colours uplift and brighten the mood, whilst the unexpected use of the colours together, bring a sense of joy and is reminiscent of dressing up as a child.
My final lineup for 'Kid' - a womenswear collection for S/S '23
The three final looks
