Quiet One-Sided Rain
Inspiration
My graduate collection tells the story of six strangers caught in the rain on a typical September afternoon in Gothenburg. Each person’s reaction to the downpour reveals something deeper—about personality, preparation, denial, resilience, and resourcefulness. Though these individuals are not connected, they share a common experience: navigating the city and eventually boarding the tram, soaked and human. This collection is not just about designing for the rain. It’s about how we all face the same external forces, yet respond from vastly different places within ourselves. It explores individuality in the face of shared circumstances. I wanted to use fashion to tell subtle psychological stories—how clothing doesn’t just protect us from the elements, but often reflects how we deal with life. It all started with a moment of observation—watching people during a rainy day. Some rushed, some surrendered to it, some fought it, and some almost seemed to enjoy it. It struck me how ordinary moments can reveal so much about human behavior. On a more personal level, I was inspired by my own experience immigrating to Sweden. Gothenburg was the first place I arrived in 1999, and the city holds a deep emotional weight for me. In a way, this collection is a love letter to that beginning. The rain is symbolic—it doesn’t care who you are or where you come from, yet it touches each of us differently. Each look in the collection is shaped around a distinct personality type. The silhouettes range from oversized and heavily layered (Overprepared), to minimal and effortless (Minimum Effort). I used shape as a tool to exaggerate or understate each character’s approach to rain—and metaphorically, to life. I referenced classic utilitarian garments—trench coats, ponchos, technical outerwear—but reimagined through an emotional and sometimes ironic lens. Color plays a key role: muted, urban tones reflect the Swedish autumn, while unexpected accents hint at optimism, denial, or quiet rebellion. Stylistically, the collection moves between streetwear and classic tailoring, depending on the narrative of each character. All pieces are meant to inhabit the same world, yet clearly stand apart—just like the individuals they represent.
Materials
The fabrics in this collection were chosen based on each character’s experience and relationship with the rain. I wanted to convey a sense of normality—something banal and familiar—like how we, as humans, often dress without thinking too much, or sometimes with too much thought. For example, the “Overprepared” character is fully aware of the weather and chooses protective technical fabrics like nylon. Meanwhile, “Always Unlucky” or “In Denial” might end up in a material that clearly isn’t water-repellent—like untreated cotton or wool—because they either weren’t prepared or chose to ignore the forecast. Each textile reflects a personal choice, conscious or not. Some are practical, some emotional, some accidental. Together, they form a subtle study of how personality and everyday life influence what we wear—even when it rains.
Collaborations
This collection is realized in collaboration with Ani Sun, Undergraduate in Fashion Accessories Design student, and Aislynn Nix, Master in Textiles From Farm to Fabric to Fashion student.
Credits: photo by Filippo Fior and Salvatore Dragone / GoRunway
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