"Thoughts of Mortality": A Fashion Memoir on Dementia, Memory & Materialism

Your collection is inspired by dementia, a deeply emotional and provocative subject. Can you walk us through how you transformed such a complex concept into a tangible fashion narrative?

My grandfather's experience with dementia deeply affected our family. We weren't initially aware of its severity. To address this challenging subject, I incorporated fragments of wedding dresses worn by women facing dementia. These garments, imbued with memories and love, serve as a poignant reminder of the lives lived within those dresses. I've also been visiting care facilities to better understand the experiences of those living with dementia, by developing and physically doing creative project with people who suffer from begin stage dementia. This collection is my way of honoring my grandfather and embracing the idea of corporate citizenship at Studio Hillz.

The collection challenges societal assumptions about cognitive health and progress. How does “Thoughts of Mortality” aim to start conversations about our relationship with the planet and the values we prioritize as a society?

The concept is rooted in the simplicity of childhood. As children, our needs are basic: emotional security, love, and common sense. Adulthood often brings a relentless pursuit of material possessions and destructive behaviors. The collection invites us to consider a radical notion: Could a world where everyone experiences dementia actually be a gift to the planet? Imagine the positive impact on countless species if human consumption and environmental damage were drastically reduced.

Dementia is not a topic that’s often romanticized, yet your collection invites us to find meaning and inspiration in its complexities. How did you balance the emotional weight of this subject with the artistry and aesthetic of fashion design?

Our culture often shies away from discussing illness and death, treating them as taboo subjects. I believe it's time to confront these realities. By raising awareness about chronic illnesses, we can potentially encourage people to live more fully and make less destructive choices. My collection celebrates everyone affected by chronic illness, (look 2 for instance is called honor huic, ‘’honour me’’, it’s the statue of celebration of the person who they were and still who they are now) transforming those who wear these pieces into ambassadors for Hillz Studio's values.

Your narrative suggests that detachment from materialism could lead to a more sustainable existence. How did this philosophy shape your design process, material choices, or the presentation of the collection?

Sustainability is at the core of my design philosophy. I started with minimal investment and embraced recycling and repurposing materials, much like my grandfather did. He created his own recipe for instance this innovative foam we used to visualize the brain landscape on some off the designs, We took my grandfathers recipe and experimented with it in our art. This approach not only minimizes environmental impact but also adds a layer of meaning and authenticity to the collection.

While working with the people of dementia for the creative project we did with them, We experienced That inner awareness of the dementia process but at the same time the numbness they radiated on the outside. We saw they had an inner conversation with themselves fighting against the illne, at least that what I experienced with my grandfather putting that in perspective this sparked the core link that we make with detachment from materialism. We are currently in a transition phase towards sustainability as a global society, we are the generation that will make the difference and take the first big steps for a better future. However, we still notice a two-way struggle within ourselves as consumers! We know that we have to change our consumer behavior, but we still shift the problem to someone else, causing our actions to stagnate!

That 2 way battle is exactly what we wanted to create visually, on the one hand a hypermodern (the now) image in which you see time extending more and more, but on the other hand stately figures in which we can move little to nothing and which gradually affect us!

Also in the presentation show of the collection we have created a still life atmosphere in which one moving object moves forward repeatedly! Its sends out a powerful message.

You worked with an incredible team of creatives for this project, from photographers to stylists and models. How did their contributions help bring the vision of “Thoughts of Mortality” to life? This collection wouldn't be possible without the collaborative spirit of the incredible team involved. Each individual brought their unique talents and perspectives, shaping the project's DNA and helping to translate the vision into a reality. Carefully selecting the people and constantly involve them in the process of the collection build up. 

The collection reframes the way we perceive cognitive health and superiority. Do you see fashion as a medium capable of driving societal and philosophical shifts? What kind of impact do you hope this collection will have on those who experience it?

A: Fashion has the power to spark dialogue and challenge conventional thinking. This collection aims to initiate a movement that questions our obsession with cognitive superiority. A dress, after all, is a dynamic object, transitioning from a gala dinner to a theatrical play. It communicates a story, and that story shouldn't be about superiority. Ultimately, it's up to the public to decide how they interpret the collection, but I hope it encourages introspection and a reassessment of our values.

Memory is often a cornerstone of personal and cultural identity, and dementia challenges that foundation. How did the concept of memory, or its absence, influence specific pieces in the collection?

A: Most people, with or without dementia, pass away without leaving a lasting mark on history. Personal and cultural identity often endures through tangible legacies like art and creative works. These are the artifacts celebrated in museums, galleries, and textbooks. Thankfully, the legacies of artists and creators resonate more strongly than those of politicians. This collection explores the natural selection of human legacies.

Q: Your collection asks us to reconsider what we value and how we live. What do you hope the fashion industry and its audience will take away from “Thoughts of Mortality?”

A: As a young designer, it would be presumptuous to dictate what the industry should take away. However, I hope this collection inspires a deeper reflection on our values and the impact of our choices. 

But also taking a fresh look at the layering of fashion. The elaborated conceptual collection challenges our way of thinking on certain social issues!

Through this social concept, we show the timelessness of fashion, instead of its supposed fleeting nature! If I could only make one small step into the right direction of our consumption of clothing with this collection, then my job is done.