Pauline Barke’s work is driven by the tension between beauty and discomfort, fairy tale and nightmare. Her practice explores a decadent, peculiar and dreamlike aesthetic that simultaneously carries a sense of brutality, creating garments and visual worlds that evoke emotion and immersive storytelling.

Drawing inspiration from literature, film, folklore, photography and object-based crafts, Pauline reinterprets historical silhouettes and references through a contemporary lens. Her work is deeply material-driven, often incorporating natural elements such as feathers, leather, plants and metal to create pieces with a raw and organic sensibility.

Sustainability forms an essential part of her creative process, with a strong focus on upcycling and transforming forgotten materials into unique garments and objects. Every detail within her work is approached with intention, extending beyond the clothing itself into accessories and styling, resulting in cohesive narratives shaped by atmosphere, texture and emotion.