Absent Presence is a collection dedicated to my sister who passed away 10 years ago. This is an ongoing journey of grief, whilst preserving sisterly bonds. A cathartic process of exploration into shared memories, emotions and a handful of my sister’s clothes that quietly hangs in my wardrobe, informed ways to hug a body that is no longer here, through sartorial means.

By treating my sister's clothes as an archive of memory and loss, I reflected on our relationship as sisters and the relationship I have with her clothes. How we used to share our clothes, how that experience was a huge part of our lives, and how they are still strongly connecting us. Whether they evoke pleasant or saddening emotions, clothes from the deceased can bring significant meaning and connection as we keep going forward without the loved ones we have lost. Through intricate yet simple pattern exploration, and intuitive drawing and draping, this project became self-therapy where I realized the evocative power of clothes, and found a way to communicate with her through her clothes and to squeeze her tight in my heart.

Ayano is a recent graduate of Massey University and a recipient of the Kate Sylvester Award for Design Excellence. Ayano Hara will feature in the Graduate Show.

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