Raison D’être

Collection Development

A collection of formalwear mixed with rawness and authenticity.

The idea was to create a collection constantly in contrast. Based on Parisian formalwear, but with elements of casual dress, performance and artistic expression, and artistic uniforms.

I was inspired by artistic works that broke expectations and delved into deeper themes. The films Two or Three Things I Know About Her by Jean-Luc Godard and Three Colors: Blue by Krzysztof Kieślowski served as inspiration based on the clothing featured within them, but also in how they broke through the expectations of their medium. The work One and Three Chairs by Joseph Kosuth also highlighted that same theme for me.

Part of the exploration of the collection was through the ways garments were developed. While some patterning was used as a starting point, most looks were developed through exploration from draping on the form. In one garment, zippers replaced seams. In another, a zipper was intentionally misaligned while being sewed in, to contort the garment around the wearer’s body.

When you think of an artist’s or poet’s way of dressing, is it formal? Or does their own presence command formality in lieu of clothing representing that?

The artistic process is one that’s all about authenticity, sincerity, as well as subversion. I wanted to work with the idea of how in the right context simple garments can often be changed to feel new.