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.