Windrush

The Windrush collection marks the beginning of my design journey – a deeply personal tribute to my grandparents and their courageous journey from St. Kitts to the United Kingdom in the 1950s. As a third-generation Windrush descendant, this collection became my way of honouring not just my family's story, but the broader narrative of a generation that helped shape modern Britain.

Research and Discovery

This collection was born from extensive research that took me far beyond the design studio. I conducted interviews with first-generation Windrush migrants, capturing their stories, experiences, and the cultural traditions they maintained in their new homeland. One particularly influential meeting was with Vanley Burke, "the godfather of black British photography," whose archive became a treasure trove of inspiration and whose work profoundly influenced my visual direction.

Through primary photography, illustrations, and visits to relevant exhibitions, combined with secondary research from books, articles, and documentaries, I built a comprehensive understanding of this pivotal moment in British cultural history.

Design Philosophy

The silhouettes pay homage to the 1950s New Look with a contemporary twist, reflecting the era when my grandparents first arrived in Britain. But the heart of this collection lies in the prints – a nostalgic celebration of the kitsch decoration that defined the West Indian homes I grew up visiting as a child.

The essence of West Indian home décor lives in the beautiful chaos of clashing prints – wallpapers that danced with carpet patterns, creating spaces full of warmth and personality. I've woven these memories into textile designs that reference tropical plantations, maps of the West Indies, and the beloved front room that served as the heart of Caribbean homes in Britain.

Craft and Technique

Every print is crafted from my own multimedia drawings and collages, digitally edited to create contemporary interpretations of traditional motifs. During a visit to St. Kitts, I learned traditional batik waxing techniques from local artisans, incorporating these time-honoured methods into my modern designs.

Sustainability was paramount from the beginning. I chose digital printing over screen printing for its eco-friendly process, using less water and creating less waste. The collection achieved near-zero waste through careful digital lay planning, with leftover fabric transformed into accessories like headscarves.

Upcycling with Purpose

Because doilies were a key feature in every West Indian front room, I sourced and upcycled unwanted items from my grandparents' home and local charity shops. Old tablecloths, doilies, and fabrics were given new life, preventing them from reaching landfills while adding authentic textural elements that spoke to the collection's roots.

A Celebration of Cultural Enrichment

The Windrush collection is ultimately a celebration – of the generation that enriched British culture, of the homes they created that bridged two worlds, and of the ongoing story of Caribbean influence in Britain. It's a reminder that fashion can be both deeply personal and universally resonant, honouring the past while creating something entirely new.

This debut collection established the foundation for everything that followed – a commitment to storytelling through design, sustainable practices, and the celebration of cultural heritage through contemporary fashion.