Escapism, the tendency to seek distraction and relief from unpleasant realities, especially by seeking entertainment or engaging in fantasy.With the theme of escapism at the forefront of my mind while designing this collection, I decided to focus on this theme through the lens of romance. Growing up daydreaming, always allowing my mind to wander off, it often wandered to overly romanticized realities.

This collection is inspired by the idea of a"whirlwind romance" and the stereotypes this term encompasses. Using visual references such as "elvis weddings"or elopements, love letters, and physical entertainment, this collection focuses on the duality between casualty and elegance. Representing such powerful ideas, like love, in a real way. I have chosen to exemplify this contrast through materiality. Whether this means creating a wedding dress with a casual neckline, made of denim, or using contrasting materials in my swatches that exemplify opposing connotations, both can be seen throughout my collection. To represent this idea of lasting love and physical and metaphorical intertwinement, my knit structures are interwoven throughout the collection, symbolizing interconnectedness.Lastly, geometric shapes that love letters and overly romantic cursive exude have inspired shapes in my bodices and top stitching details. My collection will allow you to escape to a romantic place, whilst honing in on the reality of love, allowing oneself space for this "delusion" or "daydream" to become reality.