Gavin Cooper's Journey Through 'The Sword, the Antler, and Blood-Stained Grass'
Gavin Cooper '24, modeling part of their collection. Credit: Victoria Palumbo '26
The senior collection of Gavin Cooper ‘24 is where fashion meets narrative storytelling and sustainability.
In the fashion world, there are designers who create garments, and then there are designers who weave narratives into their collections, creating immersive experiences that transcend mere clothing. In that latter category is where you’ll find Gavin Cooper ‘24, whose latest collection — "The Sword, the Antler, and Blood-Stained Grass” — is not just a display of aesthetic prowess; it is also a profound exploration of identity, sustainability and the human condition.
"In the beginning stages of creating the concept for my collection, I started by sketching anything that was around me and developing it into something more interesting," said Cooper. "Sitting next to me was a hunting trapper hat, and from there, I explored furs, hunting wear and animals."
Cooper's process is deeply intertwined with their personal interests and experiences. They seamlessly blend elements of horror, thriller movies and media, exploring identity and crafting a captivating and thought-provoking narrative.
"I approach fashion with a free mind that embraces the fun of it, and then bring in some grit and reality to balance it and make it feel authentic," they said.
One of the most striking aspects of Cooper's collection is their innovative use of sustainable materials. Embracing the mantra of sustainability as a necessity, Cooper incorporates an invasive plant from the local area to imitate fur, a decision inspired by the work of sustainable pioneer Fernando Laposse. Their dedication to sustainability goes beyond mere intention — it is sewn into the fabric of their designs, quite literally.
"I got in contact with one of the environmental science professors, Dr. Zion Klos, who helped me find a plant on campus that I could harvest for my collection," said Cooper.
The result? Phragmites australis, an invasive species that offers an environmentally conscious alternative to fur. Despite facing challenges such as preventing seed spreading, Cooper remains committed to eco-conscious practices.
At the heart of Cooper's collection lies a profound desire to foster human connection and empower individuals to embrace their true selves.
"When making a collection about identity, it’s important to acknowledge that everyone has a complex collection of identities," said Cooper. "The discomfort in experimenting with who you are is a universal feeling anyone can relate to."
Cooper expressed profound insights when asked about their collection's contribution to facilitating human connection, especially in the context of the 38th annual Silver Needle Runway's theme "Interlinked" and emphasis on sustainability and innovation.
"I think identity is the sole divider and connector between human beings; identity is everything; it's culture, gender, sexuality, career, religion, family, ethnicity, social class, etc.," said Cooper. “That stupid, overused quote is very true, ‘Art is meant to disturb the comfortable and comfort the disturbed.’”
Cooper aims to provide a platform for self-expression and exploration through their designs, which tell stories, not just through aesthetics, but also through narrative elements woven into every thread.
"Storytelling is what I was put on this earth to create," said Cooper. "The aesthetics of the collection are built around the original inspiration of the story as well as a mix of media that I am inspired by."
In Cooper's world, fashion is not just about clothing; it's about storytelling, sustainability and embracing one's true identity. As their collection graces the upcoming SNR, it serves as a reminder that fashion has the power to ignite change and foster connections that transcend boundaries.