Denim Statements: the #metoo movement
Each designer in this Denim Studio class was challenged to choose a social or political movement, research its history and other corresponding references, and to then design a piece that carries the voice of said movement. These designs were created for the opening act of the Art Institute of Portland’s final fashion show. The Me Too movement is one that I am personally connected to and that I feel passionately about. I wanted to make my voice heard, and loudly. I wanted to make a bold statement with this piece, something that would really stick with people and get them thinking, and I feel that I did just that.
concept
In this piece, I wanted to convey the process of being broken and putting the pieces back together, as well as the rough exterior front that many survivors adopt to protect themselves from further harm. I was inspired my the Japanese art of Kintsugi, where broken pottery is repaired with gold, to show that something is not defined by having been broken, and can be more beautiful for it. I wanted the overall look to exude an attitude that screams "don't fuck with me," while still carrying an undertone of softness. I also chose to use crystal points for the spiked shoulders, another healing element. The jacket was dyed black as well, to simultaneously pay homage to the Time's Up movement, and to maintain the tough exterior theme.
process + materials
I did not sew the jacket itself, (I'm primarily a marketer, not an apparel designer) I found it at a thrift store. I wasn't able to find a black one that fit the look I was going for at a reasonable price, so I went ahead and bought this one, opting to dye it black myself. First I cut the sleeves and frayed them so that the dye would spread to these areas evenly, then dyed it. I measured, marked, and added the gold grommets to the sleeves next, and laced them back together with gold and white braided trim. I used a fabric pen for the writing on the back, and then added the safety pin fringe. The most challenging part of creating this jacket was without a doubt figuring out how to attach the crystals in such a way that they wouldn't fall over, being as heavy as they are. Through some trial and error, I finally managed to keep them upright by sewing buttons to the shoulder, gluing the crystals to the buttons, wire wrapping them from beneath the buttons, then strategically sewing the wire wraps down.
result
The final outcome was even more powerful than I anticipated. A force to be reckoned with. Watching my creation and message come to life on the runway was deeply moving and inspiring not only for myself but for many others as well. I received a lot of positive feedback during intermission, when the audience was encouraged to converse with the designers and models about their movements. I left the venue feeling physically and emotionally drained, in the best possible way.
