Wounded Cloth of Man
-Sportswear Critic Award Recipient
Initially my thesis was broadly inspired by ways life and the passing of time may alter one’s skin. But from the hours spent working on these pieces I was able to reflect to find the deeper meaning I felt within. Now, what connects me to this and why do I have a macabre fascination with the human body?
The first thing that came to mind, were the real to the bone stories my mom would tell my sister and I as kids about the horrors she had witnessed working as a Physicians Assistant at a hospital. She would retell these stories with a cunning sense of humor and ease, always trying to get a suspenseful cringe out of us, which she still does haha. But, what was always so fascinating to me was how even in the worst situation she was able to help and fix them up.
I also reflected on loved ones that have faced challenges in health. One of the most fascinating operations that came to mind was a latissimus dorsi muscle graft my mom had. This surgery is performed by carving a muscle from the back while maintaining blood supply, they wrapping it around the side of the rib cage, then reattaching as pectoral muscle. This surgery marked the end her battle.
I found that I could use the similar methodology by utilizing modularity and geometry in my garments. My intent was to create pieces with their own anatomy that could be altered, changed, or worn in multiple ways. Through using organic rounded shapes, ties, and asymmetry/symmetry, I integrated human anatomy into the garments.
Although this still feels like a brief explanation, I’d like to keep some things up to interpretation.
The most important part has been being able to honor someone I hold so dear to me in this way. It makes my heart extremely full receiving validation for something I’ve worked so hard on and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to tell this story through my work.
