Maya Hopkinson

“The first thing that comes to my mind when looking at this colour is everything ocean/beach/tropical related. When researching for this project, I noticed this specific turquoise tone showed up in a lot of pictures of crystal clear waters, particularly with the glistening reflections. I like how the transparency of the water can not only allow us to see through the water’s surface but also with reflection, can create shapes and patterns from nothing but its own flow and movement.

When researching what ‘Freewheeling’ actually means, I learnt that the word is defined as being ‘unconstrained’ or ‘uninhibited’, meaning; having a life of its own, or not abiding to rules. Synonyms of freewheeling are ‘cruise, drift, float, coast, glide’, interestingly all somehow relevant to the concept of water/liquid. I think the ocean could easily be described as having a force and nature of its own, almost as if it's alive, even though it’s not.

This concept inspired the silhouettes and shapes seen within my final design. The 3 of my top has a repeated and symmetrical pattern while still having some consistencies, just like ripples on the water's surface or like the light reflections beneath the surface. The flounce ruffles sewn into the skirt’s side seams represent the flow of ocean waves, as I realised that the weight and movement of silk is actually very similar to water in the way that it flows.

What drew me to choose this whole concept as inspiration for my design, was my love for the beach. I have grown up nearly my whole life spending holidays at our beach house up north and cherish how lucky we are to live in a country with so many clean beaches.”

Resene Whitecliffe Colour of Fashion clothing - 2024

Photography by Natasha Boshkovski Photography

Find out more   Return to gallery