SHED: An exploration of skin through textiles

SHED is an exploration of the concept of decay through an unpeeling of skin. Each layer of the garment represents a layer of skin, with the challenge to make the beautiful uncomfortable and the uncomfortable beautiful. The outermost layer, the epidermis, is an air-brushed organza jacket with hook-and-eye closures. The airbrushed cells are epidermis cells, and the crossing of the cellular pattern hints at the next layer, revealed when the epidermis is shed. The dermis layer is made of satin cut on the bias and woven satin ribbon, with the orientation of the fabric and the weaving pattern allowing elasticity to the otherwise stretchless fabrics, similar to the elasticity of the dermis layer of skin. The innermost layer, the hypodermis, is a two-piece set, a satin corset and miniskirt embroidered with fat cells, made to feel texturally uneven and bumpy. Each layer is made to confront that which is aesthetically pleasing with the physical discomfort of peeling back layers of skin, of the idea of decay.