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                             Ludovica Cittadin





The Cage


Location: Rotterdam
Date: 2023
Research, modeling, and art direction




I chose to dive into the issue of body dysmorphia, a mental health condition where individuals constantly worry about perceived flaws in their appearance.

My aim was to raise awareness about this topic through fashion and my own body while pushing boundaries and challenging societal norms. I approached the subject differently by using fashion, which is one of the many factors that can contribute to body dysmorphia.

To bring my ideas to life, I created a corset with removable sleeves. The long sleeves were designed to resemble straitjackets and limit the wearer’s movements, representing the restrictions that society imposes on us. The corset itself can be seen as a cage, as it was used in the past to restrict physical mobility. However, the sleeves can be removed, and the back of the corset is open, symbolizing the escape from body dysmorphia and the freedom to be comfortable in one’s own skin.

I approached the subject differently by using a different way to communicate my feelings to the audience through performance. Being part of the performance and sharing my feelings created a sense of vulnerability and intimacy for the audience, making the performance more impactful and personal.



The Cage in Society

Location: Rotterdam
Date: 2023
Research, modeling, and art direction


I explored body dysmorphia through fashion to critique society's beauty standards. The corset symbolizes oppressive norms, especially affecting women. Detachable sleeves represent escaping self-imposed constraints, with white satin and cotton, I likened them to straitjackets, aiming for a powerful message. I also chose to capture images inside shops that perpetuate these standards, shedding light on their role in this issue.


Photo by Samuele Nobili






Black swan

Location: Rotterdam
Date: 2023
Art direction, modeling, design


With this project, I decided to delve into the world of fashion and push my boundaries by experimenting with various materials to create something new. My objective was to create a photo shoot showcasing my creation. Working with models was particularly appealing to me since I had never before sewn anything for someone else. I initiated the process by researching and sketching my desired sewing project. As I progressed, my initial concept evolved into something different. Ultimately, I crafted a versatile black tulle garment that could function as a skirt, top, collar, or even a dress. 


IDIOREVOLT

Do you want to share my pain?

Location: Rotterdam
Date: 2021
Research, modeling, and art direction


With “Do you want to share my pain?” I aimed to raise awareness about the invisibility of female illnesses and to empower women to share their stories and experiences without feeling ashamed or uncomfortable. Thus, I created a series of six posters featuring myself in various positions, accompanied by powerful statements such as “It’s NOT just in my head”. I included roses as symbols of fragility and the thorns as symbols of the often unseen pain. This visual representation was meant to convey the idea that while these illnesses may be invisible to others, they are very real and cause immense suffering.

This project empowered me to openly discuss my pain and validated my belief in its existence, despite its invisibility. 

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