“I was born and raised in Swansea,” beamed the designer, whose sartorial passion was sparked at 13 when her grandfather gifted her a sewing machine. “I always think I am where I am today because of him.” While honing her skills at university, Honey developed an affinity for intricate tailoring and suiting. However, this Swansea Fashion Week collection embraced an airy femininity previously unexplored.
Inspired by wistful Instagram vignettes of Parisian chic, Honey sought to craft “beautiful dresses” befitting that same iconically romantic spirit. “I find it hard to go into a shop on the high street and identify a garment that I really like and would get many years out of. The garments are either just missing something, not in a fabric, pattern or colour I would like to wear,” explained the designer. Her goal is to create stylish and timeless pieces that make the wearer feel great, ensuring longevity and personal satisfaction.
One by one, dazzling cocktail dresses and a sweep of flowing chiffon ushered a breath of French light-heartedness onto the runway. Delicate floral jacquards channeled the winding streets of Paris. Sculptural bustiers with architectural necklines channeled haute couture while remaining wearable. Using her expertise in pattern cutting and draping, Jessica crafted her collection with a mix of traditional and intuitive methods. Some garments were meticulously made from patterns, while others came to life through working directly with fabric on a mannequin. This approach allowed her to create unique and personal designs with impeccable finishing that resonated with her vision.
The fabrics used in the collection though, were carefully sourced from Lee Mills Fabrics in Swansea, ensuring each piece was not only beautiful but also rooted in local craftsmanship. “I wanted to create something that I have never done before, and I have never made dresses like this,” she noted
The dresses seemed to float down the catwalk, the models moved along the runway with pride . As one audience member marveled, “You could feel the passion and joy she poured into every stitch. Her heritage as a Swansea girl came through so beautifully.”
For the local designer, the show’s greatest impact lay in its ability to inspire fellow creatives. “In the future I’m hoping to run a successful clothing and lifestyle brand that brings beauty into the world and provides something different compared to the high street,” Honey stated. If this collection’s overwhelming approval was any indication, that dream has already started.
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Written by Angel Joanne Okonkwo
Photography by Taiye Omokore
