Like many children, I used to sneak into adults’ closets to play dress-up, combining belts, scarves and jewellery in unexpected ways. It was my favourite form of play, a space for freedom and invention. 

As an adult, I am disheartened by the standardisation of children’s costumes. They offer pre-written identities, often stereotyped and gendered, leaving little room for imagination. The story is already told, but I want children to write their own. 

I developed a modular system consisting of nine flat shapes, which can be endlessly combined via the notched strands to create costumes. Each piece is laser cut from reclaimed textile sample books, giving hard to recycle materials a second life. Rather than prescribing characters, ‘The Wardrobe is Open’ supports children’s need for exploration and curiosity. When costumes become something to build, not just to wear, the act of dressing up turns into an open-ended playground for the imagination.