Savannah, Georgia is considered one of most haunted cities in the country. When strolling down the many cobblestoned streets underneath century-old oaks that drip with Spanish moss, you can’t help but feel the eeriness. It’s one of the reasons why I was so intrigued by this city, and one of the reasons why I wanted to learn more about the place I would call home for my undergraduate years at SCAD.

                The term “haint,” is a southern colloquial word for ghost, or restless spirit. Haint is also a name used to describe a blue-green color that can be seen painted on the porches and trims of many southern homes. Haint Blue-not only beautiful in its shade- is also used as a way to ward off the very thing it’s named for- ghosts. 

                According to African slaves in the south, painting doors, window frames and porch ceilings blue, prevented spirits from entering the home. In many African cultures (as well as a number of others all over the world) the color blue symbolizes purity and safety. Traditional Haint Blue is made from a mixture of indigo, lime juice and milk. This idea of haint blue really intrigued me to research more about the supernatural folklore and beliefs in the south, and led me down a path that would allow me to tell a story through inspired by the beauty of life and the belief in the afterlife.

                   Along with Haint Blue, another prominent practice in the Deep South is traditional Haitian Voodoo (Vodou). Often depicted in pop culture as a religion dominated by witch doctors and dolls, many people fail to realize that voodoo is closely tied to Christianity-with origins that are directly traced back to Nigeria, more specifically, the Yoruba tribe. The Yoruba people dedicate much of their lives practicing a dyeing technique called, Adire. An indigo resist dyeing technique, Adire, involves creating a pattern by treating certain parts of fabric with a resist solvent, preventing the fabric from absorbing dye. Indigo soon became the main link connecting my entire collection.

 

                  My collection makes use of the Adire print style, along with indigo hand painting. I incorporated many traditional symbols in my prints; along with some I designed my own. The Adire prints often conveyed stories and symbols of life, so I wanted to convey my own story; my garments include various important dates, and names of my family.

 

                 There is a reason for every design decision and detail. The many-layered organza squares (over 1,000) used throughout the collection symbolize the ornate stacked necklaces many Yoruban women wear during celebrations. Strategically placed in an ombre gradient, these squares represent the transition through life. The color red symbolizes fire, blood, and war- juxtaposition from the blues that symbolize peace and safety. Red rooster feathers fan out at skirt openings that hold symbolism, as well. In Christianity (which influenced Voodooism) the rooster is noted for crowing three times after Peter denied Christ and it became a symbol for Christ's passion. Later, the rooster would signify repentance, and resurrection. This is why rooster weathervanes are often seen on top of churches- they're protecting against evil. Overall, my collection is symbolic and tells a story- it was initially inspired by a symbolic color, the belief in an afterlife, and death. As my concept progressed, however, it turned into a celebration and homage to life’s journey and our final destination.