Throughout COVID lockdowns I spent much time searching for sentimentality in my increasingly desaturated world. During which I found passion in newfound homebound hobbies such as embroidery, mending, thread-pulling, and applique design. It was only once I had learnt these skills that trips to my grandmothers (vovo) became more about appreciating the gorgeous tablecloths than the delicious food on top them. We would ruffle through her rickety armoires and dusty dressers, and she would proudly hold up hand-worked tablecloth, after runner, after bedspread, after doily. Exquisite pieces made from her time as a seamstress, a skill learnt before immigrating from Portugal - now hidden, forgotten, and unappreciated. I asked if her friends would have pieces similar to hers, and she would cheekily reply “yes... Not as good as mine of course.”

This is where Coelho took hold. A plan to travel the country from the freedom of my car; source unappreciated unique textiles, meet curious characters, create quaint one-of-a-kind garments, and find purpose in the entanglement of one’s passions.