PORTFOLIO
SISTERS SIN FRONTERAS
Creating communities and intersectional dialogues is important for the future of the fashion industry. The fashion system needs to change from an antisocial and toxic environment to a social and sustainable system. The collection SISTERS SIN FRONTERAS (2023) shows how fashion merges with political activism and overcomes social, cultural and international borders. In collaboration with the Mexican nonprofit organization Ni en more which provides women in Ciudad Juárez fair wages and safe working spaces, emerged a strong and colorful collection. The name Ni en more is the combination of three languages, Spanish, Norwegian and English, with the meaning “Not one more”. The inspiration for this name comes from Susanna Chávez Castillo, a Mexican poet and activist. Through learning the process of dress making, designing and natural dyeing women of Ni en more are gaining more self-confidence and independence. The designers, Rosalinda, Reyna, Bertha, Angelica and Tessa got inspired by women and nature and their connection between each other. In this collection the entire focus is not set exclusively on the final design product. Working in a community, including everyone’s feelings and listening to other point of views is also part of this collection as pattern making and choosing fabrics. This collection shows the courage and strength of women. In the same way as it shows how deeply connected women are to nature. All garments of this collection have been naturally dyed and were photographed by Diana Selene Jurado Vargas.
During this project I learned many new things and developed new skills, for example improving my verbal skills in Spanish or improving my cultural understanding when working in an intersectional team. Learning to listen to each other and trying to put oneself into someone’s position are key.
During this project I came across many challenges. Social, cultural and professional challenges which made me reflecting myself and my work. I am very thankful for all the experiences I gained. I have learned about a new side of the fashion design profession, which I am very grateful for.This collection gives me hope and proves that fashion can operate in a social and political way. It reflects our team spirit and positive energy we had throughout the process and shows our connection across borders. SISTERS SIN FRONTERAS overcomes social, cultural and international borders and manifests the power of women and sisterhood.
SISTERS SIN FRONTERAS
FREEDOM OR RESISTANCE
With the collection FREEDOM OR RESISTANCE (2023), I created pieces which are protective and inspired by the clothes being worn at demonstrations. Never has the future been so uncertain especially for women, because of direct threats like the climate crisis, wars or increasing violence. The pieces serve as a shield for women as they bravely fight for their freedom, providing them with a sense of courage through the rough, bold silhouettes, while also celebrating the softness and beauty of womanhood and the deeply rooted connection to nature through naturally dyed colors. Because women are not the only victims of the oppression of patriarchy. The environment also suffers under this unjust and abusive system. Many resources are being extracted in a violent manner without any respect for nature and or consideration as to whether or not nature will or can recover from this extraction.
To honor the beauty of nature bladderwrack from the Flensburg Fjord was used as a natural dye with different mordant methods to create a variation of color shades. One piece features bladderwrack as an appliqué, showcasing the raw, untouched beauty of nature.
Each piece in the collection has been lovingly upcycled from deadstock or second-hand garments, weaving a narrative of sustainability and conscientious consumption into the fabric of the collection. Through FREEDOM OR RESISTANCE I seek to empower women, celebrate their resilience, and shed light on the urgency of protecting our planet from the destructive forces of patriarchy.
