About Me
Hi, I’m Sunny, a Fashion Graduate from the University of Salford
Sunny’s background of Bulgarian and Italian descent was the initial inspiration fused with his recent settlement in England. Exploring his background fused with the British approach to design results in a contemporary translation of his culture. The patriarchal norms and traditions had limited his world viewpoint, forcing him to imagine it in his own way.
By researching and creating this collection, I aim to empower women to be confident and free. Watching how my mother was oppressed by the cultural norms reflects on the message in my project for women’s rights and quality, especially in places where cultural and religious stigma overwhelms the way of living.
INSPIRATION
I am rebelling against religious patriarchal norms that affected the women in my life
Finding the prohibited box on the rooftop of my house in Bulgaria, where my Italian mother has hidden away her old belongings, which were prohibited having at the time. She throws away her identity and confidence to become a wife and a mother in a strongly religious and patriarchal culture. That is why for this project, I have designed an ultra-feminine and empowering womenswear collection offered as the missing piece in many women's wardrobes.
My emotional connection with her belongings, such as art and clothing, revealed the need for creativity to express myself in a culture with a social stigma. Closed behind norms and traditions, with a limited view of the world and a prohibited box, I’ve imagined the world in my very unique way, where women are free to express themselves without limits. With this project, I aim to show this image of the world and the women in it.
MY WORK
PORTFOLIOS
Final Year Project/ Research Board
UKFT x Made It Competition / Research Board
UKFT x Made It Competition / Research Board
UKFT x Made It Competition / Research Board
UKFT x Made It Competition / Final Collection
ArtsThread Competition Project/ Concept Board
ArtsThread Competition Project/ Research Board
ArtsThread Competition Project/ Research Board
ArtsThread Competition Project/ Research Board
ArtsThread Competition Project/ Develop Board
ArtsThread Competition Project/ Develop Board
ArtsThread Competition Project/ CAD Board
ArtsThread Competition Project/ Final Collection
Final Year Project/ Concept Board
Final Year Project/ Colour-Fabric Board
Final Year Project/ Research Board
Final Year Project/ Research Board
Final Year Project/ Research Board
Final Year Project/ Final Collection
DETAIL
I've used sensual draping techniques and couture-inspired hand sewing to create my garments
Finding the emotional connection with objects from an early age, I've learned how to source inspiration from things beyond what the human eye can see. Using my emotions to design, drape, construct, with details such as shoulder pads, blazers, and sourcing inspiration from art as a protest against the limits that my mother and others like her had and still have. As personal as the story, I have created most of my looks by draping and hand sewing to build shapes from sensual gowns to technical handmade corsets. I wanted to explore my personal story in my collection as it shows the importance of our imagination and its role as surviving skill. Many women around the world behind walls, build from social stigma, need the freedom and confidence to be expressive.
Fashion and creativity are the power to show your own perspective of reality. It's a tool for communication, for exchange of emotions.
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