For my final project I made bustiers inspired by previous projects and experiences, as well as my rising interest in fashion and the dark underbelly of fashion industry. Alongside that, I wrote a research paper for Seminar attempting to show the value of transparency and local engagement in the fashion industry, through my interpretations of the visual culture of three fashion labels.
The bustiers use symbolism to address ocean pollution, capitalism, colonialism, genetic modification, and female beauty standards. I aim to critique, while hopefully galvanizing and encouraging people to learn about and act on important issues. They are simultaneously personal to me, and relevant to the world. They are all made from recycled plastic and soda cans to remind people of pollution and consumerism and to show people that we can use some of our trash instead of piling into landfills. In my research paper I explore the harmful effects of the fashion industry, including the 2013 Rana Plaza factory collapse, different types of pollution, dangerous working conditions, and damages to local economies.
Each wearable statement has a different texture, material, cut, and message, but they all explore the intersection between design and activism; two fields that desperately need each other. Activism and creativity are my inspiration for almost all of my projects. I see works similar to my line of bustiers by Slow Factory, a company that I discuss in my research paper.
These bustiers work with the female body and the environment around it. I creative-directed a photoshoot at Coney Island, with photographer Katie Comfort and model Klara Nilson. I chose the setting and backgrounds carefully to relate to the issues each piece speaks about, and to overall evoke nostalgic Americana and consumerism.
Ultimately I want my pieces to draw in the eye, and with it, the mind. With both my seminar research paper and my studio project, I want people to think critically about what they’re putting on their bodies, and the effect is has on the world around them.