Expectations

What is our association with clothing and how we want to be perceived?

I created two garments that bore a resemblance to familiar clothing pieces but were deliberately altered, disrupting expected patterns of fit and function. A sleeve might align perfectly with one armhole while the other fell short. A slit in the fabric appeared to be a neckline, yet when worn, the garment shifted sideways. These garments invited multiple modes of wearing, challenging the wearer to reconsider how clothing interacts with the body, and should be worn.

To engage with this idea, I invited six participants to assemble three distinct outfits using these garments. Each outfit was guided by a scripted prompt describing an event they were "attending," paired with a corresponding song that set the mood. As the participants navigated the unconventional forms, they made choices about how the garments should be worn, negotiating between instinct and the garments' imposed constraints. Once their outfits were complete, they struck a pose, capturing the final composition of body and fabric. Three photographs documented each transformation, highlighting the dynamic relationship between garment, wearer, and context.

Prompts read to participants before dressing.

1. Prestigious: You have been cordially invited to an exclusive event. You are very excited to meet your idols that will be attending. You have an outfit worth 20,000$ that you will be wearing. Everyone will be amazed by your look, time to make a statement.

2. Adventure: You have trained for months and have dreamed of this day all your life. Today you will be accomplishing a physical feat many told you was impossible. You have everything you need, and you are ready, time to test your limits.

3. Serious: You will be attending a funeral. A person very close to you has passed away, and it is time to put them to rest. They would be proud to know that you will be giving the eulogy at their funeral. Everyone is looking to you for guidance and support.