Folio Graduate Exh Peter

A-FRAYED

Rips and tears, or scars and wounds, aren’ t meant to be hidden, theyre the difference between the lifelessly untouched, from the beautifully unique

Celebrate not the damage that’ s been done

But the person who you couldn’ t have become without it

Concept Statement

Clothing doesn’t always have to be kept pristine,—it should bear the marks of time, intimacy, and the resilience that comes from being worn. A-Frayed reflects upon the use of denim through distressing, and workwear, married to the elegance of hand embroidered suiting. Creating a unique contrast where workwear is made in a way that reflects use, and through formalwear made to express individuality through hand embroidery and visual contrast.

The hero Look shows creases that never straighten, and fraying in strong leading lines, coupled with a unique sillhouette through high waisted pants to convey non-conformity and symbolising use. These design lines are seen throughout other looks in order to create strong silhouettes and strong, eye-catching garments. The suiting fabric is used within dress pants and a handstitched, assymetrical bodice, and in a japanese inspired poncho conveying a rebellion of elegance through traditionally elegant fabrics.

For me, the true essence of this look lies in its metaphors. The embroidered flowers are tender symbols of closeness, but the pleating and distressing tell a deeper story: the warped fabric mirrors the way life distresses us, leaving marks that never quite smooth out. These traces are not flaws, but reminders that wear—whether in fabric or in life—shapes us into something more intricate, more layered, and ultimately stronger. I am drawn to textiles because they hold these stories so visibly; every fold, fray, and stitch becomes a testament to intimacy, resilience, and the beauty of being touched by time.

Look 1 - Movement

Look 2 - Meditations

Look 3 - Repair

Look 4- Fragile

Range Plan

Oh Hey

Starting his fashion career straight out of high school, Peter Szczepaniak is a Sydney based creative with a deep passion for creativity, innovation, and storytelling through his art. Originally born in Western Australia, and spending most of his adolescence in both the Middle East, and in Southeast Asia, Peter has a deep understanding of the importance of varying expressions of art and culture, greatly impacting his creative outlook. Peter draws on his understanding of individual expression by creating androgynous yet chaotic designs, reflecting his own individuality. Specializing in texture manipulation, such as dyeing, handsewing, and distressing, as the unique differences in each piece, is where he feels true art and expression lies.

Acknowledgements

Peter Szczepaniak

- Fashion Design, Patternmaking, Modelling, Draping, Embroidery, Graphic design, Garment Construction, Styling, Editing, Casting, Logistics

Photography

- Anderson Kellen (@andkellen)

- Emily Phim (@Byphim)

MUA - Annabelle Geng (@zihangeng_studio)

- Joy Young (@joy_gyoung)

Model - Mandy Wang(@mandyywangg)

- Hannah Sardines (@hannah_sardines)

- Juna Elliot (@junxpdf)

- Brittany Freebairn