Project Statement -

The way we dress is much more than just fabric. It becomes a part of us, a second skin. The vulnerability we feel without clothing is universal, we use clothing as a protector, a guardian of our body. All forms of dress, from clothing to tattoos, allows us to connect to our body and mind.

Dress plays a significant role in our social and personal identity. When we meet someone new, we take in their clothing before we speak a word. It can be a meaningful way to connect with others, through sharing our beliefs and emotions; not only does it shape how others view us, but how we view ourselves. However, social expectations of dress can harm our relationship with it. While dress should be a medium for self-expression it is often overshadowed by the ever-increasing speed of trends and consumerism. Amid the overload of conflicting messages flooding our screens on what dress should or shouldn’t be, it’s important to look inwards to find what is genuine.

This project stemmed from a personal distrust of the fashion industry - from its negative impact on people and planet, to its pressure on beauty standards and consumerism. Through this series, I wanted to reconnect with clothing in ways that feel truthful and intentional. I hope to encourage viewers to actively engage with the clothes they wear, staying true to themselves in the process.

Frea - How do you balance your own personal style with societal expectations/professional expectations?

Abigail - I’ve actually been told off at work for how baggy my clothes are. That’s just cause that’s what I feel comfortable in.

I find an in-between of what’s expected of me and what I want.

I’ll find clothes that are slightly less baggy, but I’m still comfortable. So I’m just on the brink of getting another complaint.

Frea - When you’re choosing clothes to wear, what are some things that you consider?

Tom - In terms of getting dressed every day, I like to choose things that are comfortable. I don’t like clothes that are restrictive.

Frea - Physically?

Tom - Yeah, I like things to be loose. I don’t like elastic on my wrists. I don’t like to wear sweatshirts that cuff. And I like to wear pants with huge leg openings. I like to watch the way things fall as well. Layering and pleating and the way that things fall on your body is a really satisfying thing to me.

Daisie - Sometimes I feel like when I have a bad day or [I’m in] a bad mood, I try to do something basic to fit in with how people wear clothes here. But sometimes I just don’t have that energy to, you know, give a fuck and I would just wear whatever I want.

Frea - How do you think societal expectations affect your personal style and how do you balance that?

Vanessa - I think living here in Australia really changed that. Back home I care less about what people think but I am more aware at the same time. There’s this one term called ‘gembel’ back home. It’s where you dress poorly, no sense of fashion. I call myself that all the time. Cause I would just wear comfy clothes. And the thing is, I drive back home. So, I would just get in my car, drive, get my stuff, go back home.