@nyugallatin x bricolage fashion
As a senior standing at the threshold of a new chapter, I view identity as a perpetual evolution. Dysphoria, a necessary friction, propels my artistic self-actualization, making dressing a powerful tool for metamorphosis. Drawing from Afrofuturism, Franz Kafka, and the intimate curation of “Bedroom culture,” my collection captures the physical sensation of change through a cosmopolitan bricolage. As a digital native who grew up collaging online aesthetics and manipulating hand-me-downs, I have refined this youthful yearning into a sophisticated practice of intentional clashing, treating textiles like a collaged image. Functioning as a three-dimensional mood board, the looks feature pleated, paper-mâché-like surfaces and origami elements. At the same time, excess fabric and bow motifs echo themes of folding, wrapping, and revealing the self. Grounded in New York City’s “uptown-downtown” duality, the work synthesizes the conflicting yet beautiful inputs of global culture. Ultimately, this collection serves as a visual journal of my becoming, transforming the dysphoria of the past into the self-assured artistry of the present.
“An entity that craves attention. One whose light is fed by adoration. Her size is directly related to an innate urge to be seen, to be adored. It is this fervor that empowers her. As eyes turn towards her, as she is captured by glances, her veins of light ignite. She is vain.”
We were initially interested in religion, deities, and constellations for our pieces. We wanted to explore the anthropomorphic form in a subversive way. The story of Amaterasu inspired the idea of man-made gods and truths, and how fervent devotion amplifies a deity’s power and influence. We connected these ideas for our look: a blend of sci-fi and Regency-era fashion to depict an extraterrestrial being that demands attention. We are exploring the manifestation of perceived truths.
Visage is a garment covered with LED strips that illuminate its surface as the motion sensors attached to the dress move. The dress comes to life as the model is worshipped by an audience; as her vanity peaks, she moves to command more adoration. As the audience is captivated by the striking silhouette and attempts to record her, the dress reacts to the attention. It’s an avant-garde representation of the relationship between worshippers and gods.
Made with the NYU VIP Wearable Art & Design team
Laurel Fang @by_laurelblue & Sal Baray @salthehuman . Makeup by @juliebabulieofficial . Model @ohwellelle
