Junior Collection

For my Junior Collection in my Studio 1 class, we were assigned to create a collection of 5 looks that cater to an underserved market. When I came up with the concept for the underserved market I wanted to design for, I was having a difficult time. I then stopped and asked myself, “In what ways am I being underserved in the fashion industry?”. Then it hit me. I have been diagnosed with ADD and anxiety since Elementary school. My whole life I have been modifying my outfits to accommodate my sensory issues and anxiety, so I can be comfortable and calm. It can be exhausting to constantly be thinking ahead of what I am going to need to function during the day. I decided that my underserved market would be the neurodivergent community, specifically those who suffer from anxiety and need a way to fidget and self-soothe in a discrete, safe, and convenient manner. 

To achieve this, my garments will collectively stimulate ⅘ of the senses to ground someone’s mind who is experiencing anxiety. This will be showcased through soft inviting textured fabrics, soothing lavender patches, fabric colors that are proven to help with anxiety, strategic color blocking, pockets to store and clip fidget toys, weighted jackets, and compression tops. 

Embedded within every detail of this collection is a piece of my soul and a reflection of my personality. It's a labor of love, inspired not only by my journey but also by someone very dear to me: my brother and best friend, Jackson Kelley. He graduated from Belmont University in 2023 and I miss him dearly. Jackson has also dealt with major anxiety and depression. He has ADHD and has been on medication his whole life. Within my collection, I pay respect to my brother through two specially crafted male outfits. This collection goes above the boundaries of a studio assignment. It's a tribute to resilience, empathy, and the shared journey of two siblings navigating life's challenges with anxiety.

I am beyond excited for my Junior collection and for my brother to see it go down the runway in April. Hopefully, my collection can spark a healthy and productive conversation about mental health and anxiety in the fashion industry.