Hey Moira! What is your work about?
My work attempts to reshape the connotations of nudity as a form of sexuality, into recognising the body as an organic entity that should be seen as a form of expression for the authentic and vulnerable self. The naked female body has always been seen as a form of temptation and seduction under the male gaze, creating a need for women to cover up and constrict its shape to conform to societal standards. Visually, I look towards redesigning restrictive garment details into ones that adapt and mold to the unedited, organic body.
Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
As someone who is very visual, I take a lot of inspiration in understanding the contexts of silhouettes as it provides information on the role of women in society. This allows me to redesign and create innovative outcomes on how garments can perform as adaptable for it's modern context. I do also take a lot of inspiration from female artists as it sets the tone and mood for when I design. Specifically, SZA, Sabrina Claudio, Alina Baraz and Willow.
I have always had a love for the female body however in my first stages of design, I used to think that the best way to showcase it is to fit and tailor garments to each body. After further reflection of my own lifestyle, I found that (personally) this way of designing doesn't cater to the body's natural changes over time as longevity is something that I really value. In saying that, I also intend to show my audience that clothes are not disposable, that through these comfortable and adaptable features it is something that can be worn within different occasions and lifestyles.
Is there any personal experience or emotions behind the designs?
Yes! There have been several times where I have been scared and anxious to wear revealing clothes due to overthinking if it will ride up my legs or if people will stare or what if I get harassed. Over the years I learnt that the connotations that were placed on these short and tight garments were created to suppress the body due to its constant sexualisation. Reflecting and breaking down these garment associations and codes allowed my work to grow in which my confidence grows with it.
I am currently in my 3rd Year of my BA of Fashion Design at RMIT and plan on doing Honours Next year. My end goal is to have my own shop and keep producing clothing that I love! I am planning on potentially doing a Pop - up shop with garments from my grad collection (and more) at the end of this year which I am very excited for!
Credits (in order)
Models: Jasleena Nijjar (@jas.ninja) & Jessica Nguyen (@jxngxyen)
Photographer: Moira Rodriguez
Photographer: Wenmiao Xin (@wenmiao_xin)
Models: Serina Winter (@serinaawinter) & Mami Metherell (@mamimetherell)
Model: Jessica Nguyen
Model: Alaeyah Paige (@gg.honey)