The Leading Light- White Project
Candles, used for centuries, have long been seen as spiritual, calming sources of light and symbols of guidance and reflection. As they burn, people begin to appreciate not only their glow but also their scent as the candle itself slowly fades away. Over time, candles have evolved in design and function with the goal of lasting longer for human use. This concept mirrors the human experience: the tendency to overwork, to give endlessly, and to seek to please others until nothing remains. The candle becomes a metaphor for burnout which is consumed in the act of providing light. These garments explore that transformation. They trace the life cycle of a candle, from its upright, structured form to its gradual melting and eventual disappearance into smoke. Structural draping will be used to evoke the dripping, melting wax, while sheer, flowy fabrics suggest the final, intangible stage: smoke, symbolizing the loss and death.