MAINTAINING CHARACTER is a collection about my identity morphing and developing through age, as seen through my mindless scribbling.

My lifelong frustration of a search for a concrete and describable identity is futile. It can’t be made or chosen. This collection taught me to embrace MISTAKE, HAPPENSTANCE, COINCIDENCE, and INTUITION.

Scribbling has always been an outlet as I advanced with art. Even though I did not see these discouraged intuitive drawings as important or meaningful through my adolescence, it still connects me to my younger self.

While researching over the summer for my senior collection, I found myself drawing these silly faces that would give me joy and pull me through, reminding me of who I am and what drives my creativity. These characters became the basis of textiles I developed for the collection.

I translated old sketchbook doodles into knit patterns, and allowed for mistakes and ‘glitches’ in the Design-A-Knit software. The inclusion of childrenswear and my love of textiles helped push the boundaries of the collection.

Because this collection draws from childlike exploration, it has resulted in unapologetically me, striking but cartoonish designs. The slouchy silhouettes are childish but allow for growth and change.

Children of any age are entitled to fashion that encourages comfort, movement, play, and ultimately, exploration. They are not stagnant characters to maintain.