Fast fashion, having more just to have more and killing our planet with abundant consumption of vanities is what fueled me to create my art and fashion offerings through upcycling and altered couture. For the 2018 Fashion Blooms fashion show, I wanted to take the opportunity to create a collection that would present something on the runway that was formed by using existing clothing and showing that old can be new, exciting and an artform.
Those who choose to wear and support the idea of slow fashion and quality not quantity, not landfill are rebels of a sort. This also got me thinking about music, style and fashion icons who also have a rebel spirit and have always inspired me. Adam Ant, Amy Lee of Evanescence, Helena Bonham Carter and Vivienne Westwood.
The further I worked on this collection, I also became inspired by the ladies of rock and roll, such as Joan Jett, Pat Benatar, Amy Lee and Deborah Harry. 1980s rocker glam, punk and pinup also influenced my designs. Skull imagery was used in subtle and not so subtle ways throughout the collection to also showcase what has become part of the Bombshell Revival signature element in my edgier garments.
I had and felt such freedom when designing this collection. It was not about appealing to the masses or marketability. It was about designing pieces that were just for me, and my client who appreciates what Bombshell Revival has to say. I was able to just go wild and create a spectacle for the runway.
I am now starting to plan for and salivate over my next collection for Fashion Blooms 2019 but, in the meantime…. enjoy!
