Emma Marie Whitney

RMIT Bachelor of Fashion (Design)

‘Mottainai もったいない’, which could be translated at ‘waste not, want not’ encourages us to learn from and embrace the cultures of others by using traditional Japanese techniques in a contemporary way, combined with upcycled textiles (sourced in Osaka and Kyoto). This collection celebrates Japanese culture, tradition and how my life has been enriched by it. It’s a comment on sustainability and the transience of our lives and the world we live in. I hope others are encouraged to reflect on their own existence, how they care for the planet and can learn from others.

RMIT Bachelor of Fashion (Design)

‘Mottainai もったいない’, which could be translated at ‘waste not, want not’ encourages us to learn from and embrace the cultures of others by using traditional Japanese techniques in a contemporary way, combined with upcycled textiles (sourced in Osaka and Kyoto). This collection celebrates Japanese culture, tradition and how my life has been enriched by it. It’s a comment on sustainability and the transience of our lives and the world we live in. I hope others are encouraged to reflect on their own existence, how they care for the planet and can learn from others.

MOTTAINAI | MATERIALS: Japanese Kimono and Haori silks patchworked together with Sashiko and Boro techniques, combined with acid washed Australian denim offcuts from the Bradmill Denim Factory | IMAGE TEXT: Haiku poetry written by Emma Whitney

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