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Concept 

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The essence of this project lies in the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature, and the importance of sustainable, conscious choices.​Trees embody the spirits of the land and carry the wisdom of our ancestors. Through an underground network of living organisms, they connect with other trees, plants, and mushrooms, forming communities that thrive in balance and harmony. Nature is the foundation of our existence, just as we are deeply connected to each other. Recognizing that we are born from the same mysteries of life, we begin to understand the depth of this relationship and how crucial it is for meaningful change. Branches stretch to the sky while roots grow deep into the soil, linking the spiritual and earthly worlds. A tree begins as a seed, grows, and gives life to the next generation, reflecting continuity across generations. This reminds us of the importance of preserving, protecting, and respecting the wisdom and traditions passed down through time.​This sense of togetherness, of community, sharing, and connection, is central to the message I wish to share. By remembering ancient practices and reconnecting with Mother Nature, we can inspire better communities and a more conscious world. Understanding the labor, patience, and care behind clothing also changes how we value it. Garments crafted with love are more than commodities; they are connected to the artisans, communities, and cultures that bring them to life.

DESIGN

DEVELOPMENT

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Ancestral Whispers captures the raw, feminine essence of nature. Twisting, knotting, and draping were inspired by the roots and branches of trees, intertwining to create a natural tapestry around the trunk. My Portuguese heritage also informs the choice of silhouettes, shapes, and draping, reflecting the influence of women, community, and nature. The garments balance sharp, structural lines from tailoring and corsetry with the fluidity and movement of dresses and skirts, creating elegant cuts designed to flow freely. Waist-twisted panels echo ancient trees wrapping around the womb, while tailored cork jackets feature asymmetrical cuts, reflecting nature’s perfect imperfections. Silhouettes of branches and roots are laser-cut into cork, and fabric edges are gently frayed, inspired by the textures of roots, plants, and mushrooms. These details celebrate the raw, organic beauty of the natural world.

Plant-Based Fabrics

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Ancestral Whispers embraces fabrics that are sustainable, biodegradable, and eco-friendly, ensuring each garment honors both body and planet.​Each piece in this collection is woven from the gifts of the earth: flax, hemp, and cork. These plant-based fibers are renewable, biodegradable, and gentle to the skin, carrying the lightness and breathability that nature intended. Clothing, after all, should not only adorn our bodies but also nurture them, while leaving the softest footprint on our planet.​The journey of a natural fabric begins with a seed. When grown organically without chemicals, pesticides, or synthetic fertilisers, that seed becomes part of a cycle that respects the soil, the water, and all living beings. Once spun and woven, the fibers are brought to life through botanical dyes made from flowers, herbs, leaves, and roots, connecting each garment back to the landscapes that inspired it.​Rooted in my Portuguese heritage, I also celebrate cork leather: harvested gently from the bark of cork oak trees every nine years without harming the tree. Naturally durable, water-resistant, hypoallergenic, and biodegradable, cork is a living example of how tradition and nature exist in harmony.

Colour Palette

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The earthy colour palette is drawn directly from nature, reflecting the tones and textures of the earth itself. Plant-based fabrics carry their own natural shades, which are never uniform, their colour shifts depending on how the crop is grown and processed, shaped by soil, climate, and humidity. Linen, for example, ranges from ivory to beige, oatmeal, and ecru, while hemp moves from soft sand tones to deeper greyish beige. Cork, made entirely from natural cork granules, reveals a warm tan hue with unique textures that echo the organic spirit of the collection.

Creative Process

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Inspired by the shapes of trees, branches, and roots, artwork is developed and laser-cut onto cork, then bonded to linen or hemp. A bonding film is first heat-pressed to the back of the cork before the fabric is taken to the laser studio. Once cut, each piece is carefully pressed onto the garment by hand, making every detail part of the final design. ​ The process of fraying brings another layer of texture. A single stitch is sewn a few centimeters above the edge to control the unraveling, while an alternative method explores fraying along French seams, gradually expanding the edges. This technique keeps the inside clean and secure while allowing the outer surface to reflect the raw, organic qualities of roots, plants, and mushrooms. To finish, loops made from cork cord fasten neatly around wooden buttons, adding a natural closure that ties the pieces back to their source of inspiration.

Innovation

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Integrating digital tools into my creative practice has been transformative and essential for supporting my vision as a sustainable designer. Working with digital fashion technologies also reduce waste by minimizing physical samples, saving resources, paper, and fabric, while simplifying the prototyping process. Adjustments to measurements, silhouettes, shapes, and fits can be made instantly, speeding up development and improving precision. This limitless virtual space fuels curiosity and creative energy. I believe this new generation of 3D creatives can guide the fashion industry toward more sustainable practices while opening new ways to connect, experiment, and enjoy fashion responsibly.

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©2023 Ancestral Whispers by Sofia Angélica

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