$Degree Show Dubai 2024$

Roksana Stepniewska

‘Blood is Thicker than Water‘ by Roksana Stepniewska

‘Blood is Thicker than Water’ is a demi-couture gender-neutral collection that aims to cross the boundaries of both gender and geography. Fusing elements of both Slavic and Indian culture within a modern fashion context through silhouette, fabric manipulation and print as a way of honouring these communities.

The concept is based on my personal experiences of feeling disconnected from my Polish heritage. During my travels to India I understood importance of cultural identity from the friendships that I had made, this sparked a need to understand my own heritage. Due to this project my appreciation for the Slavic tradition’s that I grew up with has only strengthened allowing me to understand the importance of being able to express one’s culture.

‘Blood is Thicker than Water‘

The collection has a strong focus on print as a way of conveying the narrative. The two prints featured in the collection are visual representations of the two juxtaposing cultures that unexpectedly work together. Despite these cultures being oceans apart the fusion of the two is a reflection of how we have more similarities to one another than differences.

$Woman wearing Slavic and Indian inspired clothing holding a rose$

‘Blood is Thicker than Water‘ A/W 24/25 by Roksana Stepniewska (1 of 3)

$Woman seated wearing Slavic and Indian inspired skirt and scarves flanked by two young men in light blue tunic$

‘Blood is Thicker than Water‘ A/W 24/25 by Roksana Stepniewska (2 of 3)

$Woman wearing Slavic and Indian inspired prints holds a rose above a man seated wearing pale blue Slavic tunic while a second man holds an ornamental animal skull before his face$

‘Blood is Thicker than Water‘ A/W 24/25 by Roksana Stepniewska (3 of 3)