My graduate collection is called Purple Hands, inspired by the people and tribes of Vietnam. Being fortunate to travel to Southeast Asia last summer, I was able to explore sources of inspiration, aligning with my goal of using culture for my final collection. The work collated by the French Photographer, Réhanh stood out, resonating with the principles that I aim to achieve as a designer. Réhanh passionately documents the diverse cultures of the 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam, recognising the urgency to capture their heritage before it fades under the pressures of westernisation.

The final lineup for my collection, Purple Hands. Drawing from the delicate hand-embroidered patterns of Vietnamese tribal costumes as inspiration, I have aimed to design a contemporary collection for my own brand, Mills, whose philosophy aligns with that of slow fashion. While Réhahn’s work serves as the primary inspiration, this collection also draws on cultural education, shedding light on and celebrating Vietnam’s rich heritage, thereby sustaining its value and importance.

The Copenhagen fashion house, Ganni, is known for its ‘Scandinavian style’ where playfulness meets sophistication appealing to all ages, both young and old. This Ganni Fall collection draws on inspiration from my life in London, the city where I completed my placement year. The city’s dynamic nature captivated me, where day or night there was a new place to explore. This collection has taken inspiration from my own memories and images that were taken throughout the year of 2022 and 2023. It has been infused with Ganni’s sense of fun, print, colour, silhouette, texture and sophistication.