In searching for inspiration, I pulled heavily from the colors used in graffiti art and the exaggerated silhouettes used in 90's hiphop apparel. I took a long look at the architecture of deteriorating buildings and channeled it through the typical garment structures found in BDSM wear. Yet, I also explored the soft colors and collisions of common graffiti art styles.
The end result of my research was truly a blending of the BDSM "straps and garters", the exaggeration of 90's hiphop, and the playful nature of the customer.
As I began constructing garments, I looked for ways to enhance the structural garments and looked further into my inspiration. This led me to using fabric manipulations such as appliques, collages, and reverse appliques to create a raw graphic effect.
The designed pieces are made to be seperates that ccan be mixed and matched. Ideally the customer can create their own layer with the collection, or they can use just one piece to enhance their existing closet. These pieces can be easily paired with a customer's existing dress, skirt, tank-top, bandeu, jeans, shorts--the list goes on as far as the customer can imagine.
Photos of the 3 contructed looks via the annual Philadelphia University fashion show.
