Persephone’s Garden

by Brigid Collective

Brigid Collective presents Persephone’s Garden, a collection that embraces emotionally impactful visuals and celebrates the vitality and perseverance of women. Each look explores the female experience, beginning with the innocence of birth, moving through the seasons of life, and collecting symbolic armor as one navigates the cycles of trauma, death, and rebirth, ultimately culminating in self-actualization.

The collection journeys through the myth of Persephone’s abduction, Demeter’s grief, and the healing transformation that comes through the integration of psychedelics. This narrative is visually represented through the seasons of a garden, from the lush vitality of spring and summer to the stark decay of fall and winter. Performance art enhances the story, with models contributing to a chalice symbolizing transformation, culminating in “Death” consuming the chalice to represent healing and self-realization through microdosing psychedelics.

Each look incorporates a wide array of artistic techniques spanning human history, including bead-working, needle felting, leather-smithing, crochet, and 3D printing, paired with inspirations from ancient Greek artistry. Textures, layers, and garden motifs—extending beyond florals—are woven throughout the collection to create a rich tapestry of emotion and storytelling.

The models embody diverse, female-presenting individuals of all ages and body types, reinforcing the collection’s message of inclusion and empowerment. Just as the Greeks told their stories through intricate vases, Brigid Collective tell theirs through clothing, showcasing the resilience and evolution of women.

This collection is dedicated to the memory of one of our mothers, a florist and lover of flowers, whose legacy continues to inspire our work. Persephone’s Garden stands as a testament to the power of creativity, collaboration, and transformation.

ABOUT BRIGID COLLECTIVE

Brigid Collective is a Colorado Springs-based creative coven united by a shared passion for collaboration and a fresh, feminine perspective. For years, they have been teaming up on creative projects—spanning everything from elaborate costume designs to experimental art pieces—each one bringing its own unique challenges and rewards. Collaboration isn’t just something they do; it’s the spark that makes their work come alive.

The current collective is made up of Athena Genthner, Becca Howard, Alyssa Rose, Erin Card, and Andromeda King.

Together, Brigid Collective has mastered an impressive range of artistic skills, including fashion design, metalsmithing, 3D printing, knitting and crocheting, and leather smithing. They have a serious love for upcycling and finding unexpected ways to mix unconventional materials with time-honored techniques. Brigid Collective is incredibly grateful to Who Gives a Scrap for their generous financial donation, which allowed the collective to stock up on the supplies that fuel their creations. Tim Card and Connor Palmore’s 3D printing expertise have added new dimensions to their work. The music, brought to life by Kyle Hudson with direction and curation from Becca Howard, ties everything together to create an immersive experience.

Brigid Collective also want to recognize the eight amazing models—Sarah Nejtek, , Sarah Nasatka, Anikka van Zoren, Jazzma Gamboa, Johanna Neuber, Becca Howard, Ananna Anu, and Chevette—who are bringing their designs to life on the runway. Their energy and presence are a vital part of the collective’s success.

At its core, Brigid Collective is about more than creating art. They are here to amplify women and femme-presenting individual's voices, build inclusive communities, and craft meaningful, thought-provoking pieces that leave a lasting impression. Together, Brigid Collective celebrate the unconventional and believes that creativity is a powerful tool for connection and empowerment.

Instagram: @brigid_collective

Watch the full 2025 House of GOCA: Psychedelic Garden Runway Show!