This two-look collection represents my response to American Eagle Outfitters’ challenge to create a Whitespace Trend—an opportunity to explore possibility, purity, and reinvention through design. Rooted in AEO’s iconic foundation of denim, I sought to push the material beyond its familiar identity, using it as a canvas to explore the intersection of culture, color, and creativity. Sustainability shaped every decision: the denim was hand-dyed with vegan pigments to achieve depth without compromise, and the signature leather patch was reimagined in vegan leather to honor both ethics and innovation. Nothing was wasted; the bucket hat and crossbody bag were created entirely from remnants left behind after constructing the mechanic suit and the two-piece short set, transforming what would have been discarded into deliberate design details.
Through these looks, I wanted to show how denim, an everyday fabric, can transcend its origins and become a vessel for storytelling. The collection embraces interlacing influences, from workwear references to streetwear silhouettes, forming a dialogue between craftsmanship and conscience. This project reflects my belief that style, sustainability, and cultural expression can coexist fluidly when approached with intention, imagination, and respect for the materials we inherit and reshape.
