I Let the Sea Swallow Me delves into the representation of melancholy as an aesthetic emotion, and how semiotics enhance the visual narration of the collection.

Melancholy is a balance between positive and negative emotions. It is an emotion often influenced by a thought or memory of people or places; we feel melancholic for loved ones or friends, a meaningful place we visited or somewhere we once lived. Although the memory may be sad, it tends to have some aspect of pleasure, and of bittersweetness. Melancholy is often associated with love, longing, yearning, as well as feeling nostalgic or tied to reminiscing.

To encapsulate the gothic beauty of melancholia, I took reference from Victorian era mourning gowns with intricate flowing dresses and tailored garments styled with lace trims, which envelop and conceal the wearer. The collection references historical and modern silhouettes, with a dishevelled look, giving the impression that the garments have been beaten by the sea and wind. The fabrics provide a play on polarity and enhance the connection between the past and the present, with muted tones and colour further emphasising the theme of melancholic emotions.

Over the past three years at Ara, I have learnt an immense number of skills. I aspire to continue a pathway into the fashion industry, and I am looking forward to what the future has in store. I’m hopeful I’ll cross paths with many people who I align with, giving me a chance to deepen my knowledge of the arts.

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