Institution
Limerick School of Art and Design (LSAD)
Medium
Fashion
Graduation Year
Class of 2025
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My collection is inspired by the unrest in today’s society and the world we live in. A time marked by corruption, silencing, and widespread political unrest. These unsettling realities have fueled my creative vision, shaping a collection that explores themes of restriction, suffocation, and oppression. Drawing inspiration from 'The Handmaid’s Tale', I am exploring the idea that in today’s society, voicing an opinion has become increasingly difficult, as those who express their views that go against the majority risk being silenced or "cancelled" almost instantly. This is especially evident in the rise of social media, where political divisions, particularly between left and right wing ideologies, amplify the struggle for an open discussion. The phrase "Under His Eye", a common greeting in 'The Handmaid’s Tale' with deep religious connotations, serves as the title of my collection. It embodies the global surveillance and hidden oppression that define my designs. I drew my silhouette inspiration from the handmaid bonnets and the distinct shapes their garments, as well as the original book cover. Additionally, I was deeply influenced by the statue of Lady Justice, her commanding presence and the elegant drape of her clothing inspired me to incorporate elements that evoke strength and power in my designs. I spent a lot of time working on the stand to develop the shape and drape I envisioned for my looks. Once I had a basic idea of the silhouette I wanted, I transitioned to Clo3D to begin the toile process. A significant part of my design development took place in Clo3D, allowing me to refine the fit and structure of my garments. I really enjoyed incorporating Clo3D into my workflow, as it not only streamlined the process but also gave me a deeper understanding of pattern drafting. Fabric manipulation plays a crucial role in expressing these ideas. I have extensively explored techniques such as gathering, ruching, corsetry, and lacing to create a sense of constriction, echoing the feeling of being silenced. Stretch fabric is a key element, wrapping tightly around the body to reinforce themes of entrapment and control. I have primarily used shades of grey to symbolise the dominance of neutrality. As quoted in 'The Handmaid’s Tale', red symbolises rage, an emotion that simmers beneath the surface. In my collection, red functions as a hidden colour, subtly added to the designs to represent suppressed anger and resistance pushing against silence and control. Through these elements, my collection becomes an artistic expression of both the visible and the unseen forces shaping our world.
