THE BLUE MIND
Saltfish Studios present unique ways to be sustainable, and are committed to this cause 100%. These garments are extremely versatility, which help them stand out in this competitive industry as they can be worn practically anywhere.Saltfish Studios connects the wearer to the ocean, bringing them closer to the sea with every wear. From the sandy shores to the restaurant, we are versatile. We create clothing that is long-lasting, and when time comes, can return to the earth or be reused.
Look 2
A dark blue high waisted one piece swim a crinkled silk silk and a linen silk top. Crinkled silk mimics ocean floor texture. Styled with a beach bag and wedges.
Look 1
Linen base lined with cotton, while a layer of crinkled silk sits on top. Inspired by a coverup over a bikini top. Paired with a beach bag, wedges, a shell necklace and a hand made ceramic arm band.
Look 3
A three piece set with a linen silk top, wrap pants layered with a crinkled silk skirt on top. Styled with wedges, a silk necklace and a hand made ceramic arm band
Look 5
A three piece set with a bandeau bikini top with ceramic coral, an overlayed button jacket with a linen silk skirt. Styles with a beach bag, hair wrap and wedges.
On The Runway
“We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea – whether it is to sail or
to watch it – we are going back from whence we came. ” (Conrad, 2020)
It is hard to describe the feeling when being engulfed by a sense of calmness. For me, this comes from listening to the waves crashing, and diving into the sea. I never realised the physiological effect this had on me until moving to a city far from the coast. This capstone project is an acknowledgement of the feeling that comes from growing up being surrounded by water. The Blue Mind is a “term coined by biologist Wallace J.Nichols for the special neurological state the brain enters when we’re around water” (Klinger, 2015). Inspiration comes from this feeling that uplifts people without them realising.
This coastal beachwear collection, set to release Spring/Summer 2026, is women’s ready-to-wear. Through flowing dresses, skirts, tops, shorts, sarongs and potentially a swimsuit or two, the colors of the ocean will be expressed. A deep indigo dyed blue will represent the depths of the ocean. The fabric used will be hand-dyed from natural dyes and will incorporate hand block printing. The hand blocks will be personally designed with the ocean in mind. Through this collection, themes of sustainability, cultural storytelling, and fluidity will be explored.
Inspiration
Technical Illustrations
Technical and and white illustrations for each piece in the five looks.
(scroll through)
Fabric and Materials
The chosen fabrics were all 100% silk, linen or cotton. Silk was used as top layered to create movement, while linen was used as a base lined with cotton. The cotton was hand dyed with natural materials.
Each color was chosen was inspired by the ocean. A light yellow and beige to mimic the sandy ocean floors, blue for the ocean color, and a peach red color representing ccoral.
Draping to Explore Movement
Exploration of movement through draping to mimic the movement of the ocean. Used to create free moving unpredictable shapes similar to water.
Initial Sketches
Initial ideation work to explore coloring and design detail for this collection.
Ideation Sketches
Samples
Research
This collection will be sold in the Australian market, which has been growing significantly. Australian beachwear “has become an essential segment of the global fashion and apparel industry” (Mobility Foresight, 2025). This is due to rising disposable incomes, changing trends, swimwear innovation, popularity in beach vacations and sustainability. Currently, there is a large gap in the industry for natural fibres and recycled materials (Mobility Foresight, 2025).
Promotional strategies for the release of this collection will target sustainability conscious consumers, earning $150,000+ AUD yearly, aged 25-55, and living in a warmer climate close to water. However, these pieces will be worn by frequent vacationers. The consumer lives an active outdoor lifestyle, valuing craftsmanship and timeless design. Price range per piece will fall between 450-3000 AUD.
As the fast fashion industry grows, there is also a growing demand for slow-designed intentional pieces (Abedelmeguid, 2024). This research project addresses current conversations related to sustainability, slow fashion and timeless design.
My design philosophy relies on understanding one’s connection to nature and to self. I believe that one can only design through themselves, and my designs are a reflection of my experiences.
