Inspired By Grandmother’s Fashion

For many years, I have been thinking about possible ways to develop a unique fashion design that would effectively portray my family heritage and personal individuality while having an aged and vintage look that is appealing to people today. Over and over, I tried to decide on one particular style that would effectively showcase where I came from and the person who I am now. Because it had been many years since I had been home, my memory was vague about the traditions and heritage offered by my culture and past, and I struggled to remember the many things that made life special and preserved my heritage. However, in 2009, I visited my home country after 30 years, and it was during this trip that my past came rushing back to my memory, and I discovered inspiration is all around us waiting to be discovered if we just open our eyes.

During my memorable visit, my family and I went to several local festivals where we listened to old folk songs that have been passed down from generation to generation. Many people were proudly wearing traditional lace clothing adorned with intricate embroidery, dainty lace, and charming ribbons. As I traveled about the town daily, I was able to see how, even today, the past still influenced the local people and how it helped keep the town’s heritage alive and thriving. Each day, I took walks in the nearby countryside, and soaked up the beautiful scenery offered by nature, listening contently to the softly bubbling creek that was running nearby and the happily chirping birds who whispered the forgotten tales of my home country softly in my ears. Brightly-colored butterflies danced delicately through the air as if they were suspended by invisible strings that controlled their every movement and reminded me of the colorful, flowing ribbons I had seen on the traditional clothing worn at the festivals. The fresh air and lightly-scents of the wildflowers filled my lungs, overwhelmed my senses, and I was taken back to the days of my childhood that, in the insanity of everyday life, I had pushed to the back of my mind and memory long ago.