Fashion - Bachelor

Designed to Survive

Designed to Survive is a textile-focused collection inspired by the protective adaptations of species within Springbrook National Park’s ancient Gondwana rainforest. Through wet felting, original digital prints, silk appliqué, textile manipulation and handcrafted ceramics, the collection explores colour, texture and form, transforming natural fibres and reclaimed materials into playful, sculptural and wearable pieces.

Lili Doran

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Warrie

Exploring themes of armour and expansion, Warrie draws inspiration from the blue spiny crayfish (Euastacus sulcatus). The look features a structured lace-up dress made from reclaimed blue leather, paired with a voluminous sheepskin skirt. Patchworked from four second-hand sheepskin pillows, the skirt reflects the vibrant colours and irregular wing patterns of the Richmond birdwing butterfly (Ornithoptera richmondia). The soft sheepskin expands through openings in the hard leather exterior, creating an exaggerated, sculptural silhouette that explores the contrast between protection, softness and structure.

Tallanbana

Inspired by the protective adaptations of the spiny leaf insect (Extatosoma tiaratum), Tallanbana explores the relationship between protection, movement and sound. The look pairs flowing yellow silk trousers with tiered, gathered panels of silk crepe de chine, digitally printed with original designs developed from observational sketches of species found in Springbrook National Park. Resembling protective chainmail, the sculptural ceramic chest piece is handcrafted from reclaimed clay collected from excess pottery trimmings. Each ceramic component is decorated using underglaze transfers of the original textile print, creating a connection between the two garments. As the wearer moves, the ceramics gently chime, echoing the sounds of the rainforest while contrasting the delicate fluidity of silk with the protective hardness of clay.

Kadjagooma

Kadjagooma is a sculptural mini dress handcrafted using wet-felting techniques, exploring camouflage and retreat as forms of protection. Irregular purple and moss-green spots are felted into a natural wool base, drawing inspiration from the mottled patterns of lichen-covered surfaces and the camouflage of Springbrook’s leaf-tailed gecko (Saltuarius swaini). The spotted pattern breaks up the body’s outline, reflecting how species blend into their surroundings to avoid predators. A dramatic high funnel collar allows the wearer to retreat into the garment, creating a sense of shelter and protection. Strands created from leftover felt extend from the raised appliqué, minimising textile waste while introducing movement and texture. As the wearer moves, these strands sway and shift, giving the dress an almost living quality, as though the surface is growing and responding to its environment. Handcrafted ceramic details along the hem introduce a contrast between the softness of wool and the hardness of clay.

Gauriemabah

Inspired by the protective textures of fungi and climbing vines found within Springbrook National Park, Gauriemabah explores the relationship between softness, growth and natural defence. The floor-length gown features a smooth bodice crafted from deadstock silk-cotton, flowing into four dramatic tiers of gathered silk dupion ruffles. Handcrafted silk appliqué inspired by fungal formations emerges along the dropped waistline, mimicking the layered, irregular textures of the rainforest. A plunging neckline and low back are framed with delicate ruffles of digitally printed silk, featuring an original purple colourway developed from observational sketches of Springbrook’s species. Handcrafted ceramic details introduce a contrast between hard and soft materials. Accompanying the gown is a vine-inspired silk wrap, featuring cascading, petal-like forms attached to long strands that intertwine around the body, referencing the climbing and intertwining growth patterns of rainforest vines.

The Making of Designed to Survive

Lili Doran

Lili Doran is a Brisbane-based Fashion Design and Entrepreneurship student with a love for colour, texture and intricate craftsmanship. Inspired by the natural world, she experiments with textile manipulation, ceramics and digital printing. Working predominantly with natural fibres and reclaimed materials, she creates playful, sculptural designs that celebrate sustainability and handmade details.

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