MEMENTO MORI BY SAMUEL DE RAADT

Samuel de Raadt  

Samuel’s creativity and perception is influenced by his birthplace, Venezuela, and upbringing in both Sri Lanka and New Zealand. Samuel is a creative and dedicated designer who applies critical design thinking to explore unique and theatrical collections and accessories.  

One aspect that captivates Samuel's imagination is the potential of masks. The way that masks can shape-shift the wearer, challenge perceptions and bring characters to life, inspires him. By integrating masks into his designs, Samuel plays with identity, performance, and personal expression. Through his work, he aims to create awe-inspiring moments that transport viewers into realms of imagination and wonder.  

Memento Mori  

For my collection Memento Mori, I aim to capture and infuse my perceptions of death with a series of three looks. These looks will be tailored towards ready-to-wear. Everything in death is juxtaposed and I want to reflect this feeling through contrasting uses of heaviness and lightness, soft and hard, bright and dark, smooth and rugged, curves and angles. The complexity of humans, life and death and all their positives and negatives. Using motifs that are woven together, this collection captures different experiences of death, providing a thoughtful and cohesive reflection on this daunting and powerful force.