B O R N E A L O F T

Borne Aloft emerged as an exploration of place and process, created entirely within the Netherlands. Building on my earlier work, Among the River Sallows, the collection delves into the integrity of natural fibers and dyes, celebrating the resilience of nature as our greatest teacher. The project was funded by The Creative Industries Fund Netherlands, as part of their 2024 Design Grant Scheme. It integrates Dutch supply chains and collaborations with Dutch initiatives such as The Linen Project, The Knitwit Stable, Verfmolen De Kat, Brabant sheep and alpaca waste-wool farmers, and Zaandam linen suppliers. Each step of the process honors the rhythms of nature – dictated by when the sheep are shorn, the linen is harvested, and the plants are picked for their color. The result is a biocompatible collection of garments crafted from Dutch wool, linen, antique fabrics, and natural dyes, showcasing the beauty of mindful processes that include local resources, climate beneficial materials, and a singular hand throughout.

Debuted in September on the Keizersgracht during the 2024 GLUE Amsterdam Design Route, the collection was exhibited alongside a process film by Joe Eshuis, offering insight into the time, care, and collaboration required for slow, sustainable garment production. Through this work, Borne Aloft challenges the fast-fashion paradigm by fostering awareness of ecological systems and affirming the feasibility of a local, sustainable supply chain for capsule production in the Netherlands and abroad.

W A T C H T H E P R O C E S S

Antique Dutch linen shirt with reclaimed key and pewter buttons.

W O R K W E A R J A C K E T & P A T I N A P A N T

Dutch linen Patina work jacket, silk Lidewij top, and cotton Patina pants; printed with natural pigments.

Handknit wool cardigan and skirt spun from raw Dutch merino wool.

Antique linen Box top and Nappe wrap skirt.

While visiting home, I photographed the collection in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area — a place of longing and inspiration for all of my work. Growing up in rural Pennsylvania, I was inspired by the cycles of decay and renewal through the seasons. The overgrown and derelict landscapes of my early childhood developed into a fascination with natural materials and the resilience they lend to the creative process of making clothes. The rhythms of these self-renewing ecosystems now guide my practice when producing collections.

Borne Aloft reflects a deeper inquiry into clothing as an extension of place and community. It is an invitation to reconsider our relationship with clothing and, in turn, with petroleum-based fibers. By removing the ‘fashion’ element from the garment trade, this shift would allow for clothing to become both a living expression of where you live, and a symbol of the community you belong to.

Thank you to the Creative Industries Fund NL for making this project possible.