Her Story
Sam Gilliam, “Light Depth,” 1969. Acrylic on canvas. Courtesy Corcoran Gallery of Art. Gift from the Trustees of the Corcoran Gallery of Art (Museum Purchase, Gallery Fund), 2018.
“When you're designing clothes for a body, the anatomy of the body underneath the clothes becomes a really important dialogue. So much of what we're doing is sculpting around the physical form.”
— Dion Lee
The Beginning
This collection came about while I was studying Anatomy and Kinesiology. It sparked the idea of contrast between sequence of movements and the ridged structure of our form. I studied how ligaments are connected and the chain reaction that occurs within us. The goal was to create a garment that was structured when still and when put in motion unlock a sequence of drastic soft movement. Independent from one another but in harmony. In contrast, I needed a garment with strong bones and transparency of the form beneath. This two piece mini collection is a tribute to the beauty of our anatomy. An abstract take on the sequences and structures within us all while embracing femininity.
The Process
The Final Look
The feminine skirt plays with the idea of sequence of movement. When idle it pools to the floor and when in movement it takes flight, revealing the feminine form beneath. The lace top contours around the form. The lace detail resembles the vascular system keeping us moving appearing small and intricate, but full of power and life.
The strong braid embellished bustier reflects our strength and structure within our bodies. The base is made of men’s suiting fabric with horsehair boning along the seams to replicate our own skeletal structure. To balance the masculine fabric and I incorporated braiding a technique in which is rooted in our femininity from times before documentation. The skirt hugs the form and its purpose is to reveal the movement while providing mystery.
Take A Closer Look
