Nostalgia Homecoming

Building upon the foundation laid by my debut Windrush collection, Nostalgia - Homecoming delves deeper into the emotional landscape of Caribbean migration to Britain. This collection, developed during my Masters at Manchester School of Art, explores the poignant themes of nostalgia, memories, roots, diaspora, and the complex concept of homecoming.

Research and Inspiration

My research focused on the interiors of the 'typical' West Indian home – both in Britain and the Caribbean – revealing how families recreated pieces of their homeland within British domestic spaces. The work became a study in how objects, colours, and arrangements served as bridges between two worlds.

The influential textile artists Althea McNish and Pearl Alcock became guiding lights throughout this collection. McNish's pioneering work as one of the first Caribbean designers to gain international recognition, and Alcock's distinctive artistic strokes, provided both technical inspiration and cultural connection to my design process.

The Murano Glass Fish

Central to this collection is the iconic Murano glass fish ornament – a staple of the West Indian front room in Britain. These colourful glass ornaments weren't merely decorative; they were symbolic of tropical Caribbean fish and served as constant reminders of 'back home' for families navigating life in a new country.

Using these ornaments as reference, I experimented with fluid water-based mediums – watercolours and marbling techniques – to capture the organic, flowing colours found within the glass. The water element became deeply symbolic: representing journeys, new beginnings, and the ships that carried so many across the Atlantic.

Working with these fluid mediums, I created seamless repeat patterns digitally, then chose silk as the ideal fabric – its natural sheen and drape echoing the flow of the print designs and the luminous quality of the glass ornaments that inspired them.

Artistic Process and Technique

My creative process began with coloured pen work, using similar strokes to those found in Pearl Alcock's art. Through Photoshop and Illustrator, I developed these initial drawings, combining decorative motifs with maps of the Caribbean each element adding layers to the print stories.

Collage remained my preferred starting point, allowing me to juxtapose ideas and see familiar elements in new arrangements. Secondary research revealed how the vibrant exterior colours of Caribbean houses were recreated in the interiors of British West Indian homes – a discovery that sparked a series of collages, which evolved into paintings, and finally into repeat prints.

Cultural Moments and Silhouettes

The timing of this collection coincided beautifully with Steve McQueen's 'Small Axe' series on the BBC – short films exploring Caribbean settlers' experiences in London during the 60s, 70s, and 80s. The costumes, colours, and aesthetic of these films profoundly influenced my silhouette development, leading me to create toiles and colour palettes inspired by retro 1970s style.

This cultural moment reinforced the relevance and timeliness of my work, connecting historical narratives with contemporary storytelling.

Print Stories Concept

Each design in this collection comes with its own 'print story' – detailed background information about the inspiration and meaning behind every pattern. This concept allows customers to understand the cultural significance of their pieces, making them participants in a larger narrative rather than simply consumers of fashion.

Feedback from critiques confirmed this approach as authentic and engaging, giving the brand depth and allowing wearers to feel part of something meaningful and historically significant.

Legacy and Impact

Nostalgia - Homecoming established my signature approach of combining rigorous cultural research with innovative textile techniques. The collection's success during my Masters program laid the groundwork for my professional practice, proving that fashion could serve as both beautiful garments and important cultural documentation.

This collection marked the evolution from student work to professional practice, establishing the research-driven, culturally-conscious approach that continues to define the brand.