“Torment”
Graduate Collection, 2024
My graduating collection explores classism within the luxury fashion industry, depicting a mix between the romanticised image and exploitative nature of high fashion brands. I’ve used the surrealist’s movement as inspiration. As it compliments my theme with its roots in challenging societal norms and exposing the “unconscious human mind.” This serves as a powerful lens to critique the rigid structures and privilege inherent in the fashion industry. I created these garments by blindfolding myself and draping directly onto the mannequin, then refining through flat pattern-making. This was my adaption of creating in a similar way surrealism asks. By integrating transparent elements like lace and devoré, slightly exaggerated cutouts, and juxtapositions of gore with high-class evening wear signifiers, my designs confront the biases and hierarchies embedded in couture. I’ve used a combination of traditional devoré textile techniques, hand dying fabric, and beading, the aim to create an unsettling collection.
I’ve used a variety of sizes democratise “couture”, making it more reflective of diverse experiences. This collection is designed to be more than artistic expression; it’s a call to rethink the values and structures within the fashion industry
Modles: Annie Joyce, Annika Patten, Ruby Berlowitz