21st May 2025
Designing a modular shirt that could transform into over 22 unique looks was both a professional milestone and a deeply personal journey. I stitched the garment over six intense days, working from 4 a.m. to midnight on the floor of my room. Despite battling exhaustion, water fasting, and later stomach issues, I pushed through driven by a mix of creative determination and emotional weight. As an international student far from home, I carried the pressure of visa uncertainties and a significant loan taken to pursue my dream in Australia. I missed my family and, at times, felt guilty even for resting. But in that chaos, I discovered how I operate under pressure and realized that the fear of uncertainty can also be a powerful motivator. The project was inspired by the loss of a friend and the disregard shown for his belongings, which deeply shifted how I viewed material objects. Through focused interviews and honest conversations about grief and clothing, I channeled that experience into something meaningful. Creating a minimal, versatile, and emotionally resonant garment reminded me why I started and how healing and expression can coexist through design. In the end, I felt fulfilled, present, and incredibly grateful.