Fashion - Bachelor

Flower of the Underworld

This collection explores the story of Persephone, as told in Greek Mythology.

Persephone McLennan

Flower of the Underworld

Greek Mythology: The Story of PErsephone

Persephone, the innocent maiden of spring, wandered the plain of Nysa, gathering flowers when she reached for a radiant narcissus. The earth spilt open and Hades (God of the Underworld) lunged, seizing her and stealing her away to become his bride in the underworld. In grief, her mother Demeter (Goddess of the Harvest) let the earth wither.

Forced to intervene, Zeus (King of the Gods) ordered Persephone’s return to Demeter, however she had unknowingly already eaten pomegranate seeds—food of the dead—binding her to both realms. Each year, she must descend once more, her absence bringing winter’s decay, and her return awakening spring’s bloom.

Forever divided, Persephone reigns as both the Goddess of Spring and the Queen of the Underworld.

Girl standing on staircase, pictured in a short, shiny white dress that flares out, pom-poms suspended underneath the skirt of the dress and stitched to the front of the bodice.

“The Flower-Faced Girl”

Silhouette 1 captures Persephone as the “flower-faced girl” (as referred to in the Homeric Hymns), strolling the plain of Nysa and gathering flowers. Playful yet innocent, the pure white design pairs soft pom-poms with the dress’s luminous organza surface, evoking the radiant narcissus she plucks in her story.

“Between Worlds”

Silhouette 2 represents Persephone’s abduction. As she plucks the precious narcissus, the earth splits open and Hades seizes her, tearing her from innocence and comfort and propelling her into darkness. This “between worlds” state is reflected in a spiraling, bursting silhouette, caught between luminous light (white organza) and shadow (black tulle).

“Queen of the Underworld”

Silhouette 3 represents Persephone’s newfound role as Queen of the Underworld. Moving further from her innocent “pure white” beginnings, this silhouette embraces a darker, underworld-inspired palette with unconventional shapes. Inspired by both the poisonous foxglove flower and pomegranate fruit, this look celebrates Persephone’s enduring natural beauty amid her unique transformation into the Queen of the Dead.

“Goddess of Spring”

Silhouette 4, encapsulates Persephone’s return to the surface. Her reunion with her mother sparks boundless joy, bringing the earth into full bloom, reinforcing the Greek myth as an explanation for seasonal change. This silhouette incorporates multiple colour elements from her journey, highlighting her transition to a fully matured state. It is the storytelling finale: Persephone now embraces both roles—as Queen of the Underworld and Goddess of Spring. Though she will eventually return to Hade’s realm, this moment captures her arrival “home”, as beautiful, bold, and experienced, no longer naive, her colours vibrant and “fully bloomed”.

Silhouette 1 — Model: Jane Shao
Silhouette 2 — Model: Stella Oh
Silhouette 3 — Model: Ella Miriama
Silhouette 4 — Model: Hannah Cashman

Persephone McLennan

Persephone McLennan is a Brisbane-based emerging designer passionate about storytelling through fashion. She explores fabric manipulation and material properties to create conceptual, ethereal pieces that celebrate a childlike playfulness and imagination, inviting wearers to step into another world and play dress up.