Description:

Fashion has served as a form of self-expression, but contemporary design often prioritises functionality and mass appeal over conceptual depth. In a consumer driven world, we seem to be losing our sense of curiosity and freedom in how we create and wear fashion. Beyond the Flesh responds to this exploring the intersection of fashion, art, and identity through a proto surrealist point of view. Inspired by the hybrid creatures and grotesque nature of proto surrealist art, I’m drawing links between the body, internal struggle, and self expression. In an age of fast fashion and content fatigue, this collection aims to push boundaries and provide an immersive experience that builds identity and provokes thought. Beyond the Flesh encourages designers to create without fear.

Beyond the Flesh was developed with the intention of bridging the gap between art and fashion. Inspired by the grotesque and hybrid figures in proto surrealist artworks by Hieronmyus Bosch and Pieter Bruegel, this collection explores how fashion can be used as a means for storytelling, identity and introspection. It pushes back on the idea that fashion must be the most practical and have a broad appeal, and instead encourages clothing to be more expressive, meaningful, and personal. Embracing themes of sensuality, fantasy, liberation and challenging traditional notions of modest and wearability. A key strategic decision was to prioritise conceptual depth and slow, intentional craft over commercial potential. In doing so, this project has challenged conventional fashion normatilities and helps the viewer to have a more reflective and deeper relationship to the garment.

Rather than following a traditional design process, Beyond the Flesh evolved through experimentation and material exploration. I was drawn to the fantastical nature of the hybrid creatures within proto-surrealist works, and I wanted to capture the distortion and symbolism through form. Working with exaggerated shapes, padded structures, and fabric manipulation, I created silhouettes that felt uncanny but beautiful. The combination of rigid and soft materials allowed me to push the boundaries of function and create garments that evoke emotion, provoke thought and command presence. A key theme throughout the artworks I researched was sensuality. The hybrid-like creatures warped themselves through the bodies and explored their darkest instinctual human behaviour. I explored this with design not through exposure but through movement, form, silhouette, and tension.

What elevates Beyond the Flesh is the emotional intensity and ability to leave a lasting impression. Rather than relying on traditional fashion normalities or trends, this collection invites the viewer into a captivating and strange world that feels symbolic and deeply personal. The work lingers in its ability to provoke thought and question your own relationship with clothing and fashion as a whole. It questions. How do we express what’s inside? What can clothing reveal, distort or protect? By leaning into the surreal and embracing discomfort, this collection opens up space for self reflection and story telling.