Asexuality, defined as experiencing a lack of sexual attraction, is an underrepresented identity within both larger society and in the LGBTQIA+ community. As an asexual person, I understand sexual attraction to denote feeling attracted to someone through the potential for sexual relations, often based on physicality. I have never understood why some lumps of adipose tissue on the form are labeled “sexy” while others are frowned upon by the larger society.
What She Didn't Feel is a size-inclusive, conceptual womenswear collection, inspired by my asexual perception of the human body, embracing the intersectionality of feminist and asexual activism through silhouettes that challenge the audience's understanding of "flattering.”
My process began with studying the body in order to best abstract it. This included several interviews with women about their viewpoints of the human body and their relationship with their own bodies. Combined with magazine research into the regions of physical appearance beauty product advertisements target (as well as the common insecurities spawning from this form of media), I extracted “problem areas” (like hip dips, wrinkles, and stomach fat) that remained my central focus throughout draping and sketching.
Focusing on adding bulk to the form where it is least welcome and subverting “sexy” silhouettes, I bring my audience on a journey of body neutrality to reexamine their perception of physical attraction.
Tight-Laced Dress
Another point of inspiration was drawn from fashion history, specifically that which was used to alter the female form, like corsetry and cage crinolines. Instead of forcing the body into a slimmer shape, I expanded the stuffed sections outward. I produced several samples with this concept, then after draping them around the form to continue referencing the human body, I used digital editing to collage the drapes together.
Burst Corset Dress
Body-Roll-Suit
Contrasting stuffed shapes with skin-tight mesh (along with unusual cut-outs), I warp the human form, making the wearer part of the garment and, therefore, a walking sculpture.
(W)Hole Bodysuit
My goal throughout was to render the human form an abstract sculpture that forces the viewer to see the body from another perspective.
