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Embarking on this graduation collection has been a whirlwind of emotions and experiences. From the early days of excitement and nervousness to the final moments of triumph, this journey has tested my resilience and creativity in ways I hadn't anticipated. Reflecting on these past weeks, I'm struck by the intense highs and lows that have defined this process.

In the early stages of designing this collection, I was both exhilarated and apprehensive about the road ahead. The blank moments spent in solitude often felt daunting, especially with the looming pressure of the collection. Yet, recalling the satisfaction I witnessed in a friend’s graduate collection provided me with a valuable perspective. Her hard work and sacrifices culminated in a moment of immense pride, and I yearned to replicate that sense of accomplishment with my graduate collection. As I dyed my fabrics and began developing my photoshoot plan, I was motivated by the desire to achieve a similar feeling of fulfillament.

Towards the third week of designing the pressure intensified. My reliance on Red Bull was a testament to the sleepless nights and mounting stress. The challenge of dyeing fabrics perfectly felt overwhelming, and my vision seemed to slip away with each failed attempt. The mossy green hue of my fabrics was far from what I had envisioned. Desperate for a solution, I reached out to Richmond Laundering in Melbourne, hoping their expertise would remedy my dyeing issues. This period was marked by a sense of urgency and frustration, as I grappled with balancing my checklist and maintaining my project’s integrity.

The following week brought a glimmer of progress. I found a rhythm in garment creation and felt confident about completing my pieces.  I began focusing on finalizing my photoshoot plans and other relevant documentation in preparation for this collection’s launch. While I tried to convince myself that there was less to do than it felt, I knew deep down that the final stretch would require relentless dedication and focus and before I knew it I had completed all garment prototypes for this collection; this moment alone was a significant milestone. With the photoshoot plan gradually taking shape and a photographer lined up, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. 

The 6-week mark served as a turning point and after a few day’s break, I returned with renewed energy. Positive feedback from my presentation boosted my morale, but I remained concerned about my collaborator’s progress. Delays in confirmation from key collaborators added to my anxiety. I set a tentative photoshoot date, hoping it would align with the remaining tasks.

By week 7, personal struggles began to weigh heavily on me, impacting my productivity. Despite this, I focused on assembling garments and preparing for the photoshoot. Organizing photography details, including securing a hair and makeup artist, became a pressing concern. Communication challenges added to my stress, but I remained optimistic about the outcome.

Before I knew it it was photoshoot day. The final stretch leading up to the photoshoot was marked by relentless stress. My sleep pattern suffered as I worked tirelessly to complete garments and set designs just in time for the photoshoot. Despite these struggles, the day of the shoot was a culmination of my own and collaborators efforts. The moment the final images were captured, I felt a profound sense of pride and relief. The long-awaited Sa Wakas collection had come to life, and I was overwhelmed with emotion. The experience was a testament to the dedication and perseverance that defined my journey.

Reflecting on this capstone project, I am filled with gratitude for the support and hard work of my collaborators and the lessons learned along the way. The journey was arduous, but the sense of accomplishment I now feel makes every challenge worthwhile. Sa Wakas stands not only as a collection but as a symbol of my growth and unwavering commitment to my craft.