White Polyps

White Polyps draws inspiration from coral bleaching, a phenomenon caused by global warming and rising ocean temperatures. When ocean temperatures increase by just 1 to 2 degrees Celsius, corals expel the algae that provide them with up to 90% of their energy and vibrant colours. Some corals flash fluorescent hues as a cry for help before they are starved of nutrients, turning white and lifeless. The collection’s silhouette and textiles mirror the coral structures and their stages of decline. White is the key colour, with UV-reactive materials symbolising the fluorescent warning process. Organza and twill fabrics were selected for their opaque and transparent properties, mimicking the appearance of the bleached corals. Additionally, leftover fabrics from the pattern cutting process were up-cycled into bags and hand-knitted textile panels, reinforcing the concept of sustainability. The collection also incorporates slow craft techniques like crochet, hand-knitting, and embroidery to emphasise the importance of responsible fashion. These garments act as a visual representation of nature’s distress signals, promoting sustainable fashion practices through mindful design and material usage.