University Major Project
‘Translated Through Threads’ is a project dedicated to telling the stories woven into hand-me-down clothing through memories, emotions, and people.
How it started…
I received my Gran’s fur coat after she passed away in 2019, in the pocket there is still 25 pence, tissues and a lipstick from when she last wore it. This got me thinking about my gran and all of the memories that are woven into the coat. It sparked the question: what stories do others have attached to their cherished hand-me-downs? Through art direction, photography and design, this project documents these narratives and explores the connections people have with their hand-me-down clothing.
Have a flip through…
Booklets based on each participants hand-me-down and the history behind the garment.
Exhibition Design
I curated an exhibition for Translated Through Threads, designed to inspire people to see their clothing not just as fashion, but as cherished items that hold rich history.
Each guest was invited to bring a piece of clothing they would one day like to pass down. Upon arrival, they created a personalised label featuring a photo of themselves under the title ‘Previously Loved By’, along with the garment’s history, care instructions, and a note to its future owner. The idea was to preserve each item's story, so that when it's eventually handed down, the next owner can access the history of the piece.
The exhibition sparked deep, meaningful conversations. People shared stories about their garments and others who once wore them. It became a space filled with nostalgia, connection, and reflection- encouraging everyone to view their wardrobes not just as collections of clothes, but as archives of people’s lives.
Captured by Thomas Lecyn.
