“EMOTIONAL ARMOR”
My thesis collection is an exploration of the fear of intimacy, both in friendships and romantic relationships. It examines the complexities of feminine intimacy, where vulnerability and tenderness are often idealized, yet beneath that facade lies a profound fear of emotional exposure. Though I’m drawn to the warmth of closeness, I struggle with the anxiety that comes with allowing someone to truly see my emotions. This collection captures the tension between the longing for connection and the instinct to protect myself. My work reveals how intimacy, though often perceived as nurturing, can also be clouded by darkness and uncertainty.
Handmade mail coif using traditional chainmail techniques
A-line gown with lace bodice, built-in bra, and cotton skirt. Screen-printed red lining flickers through lace godets. Hook and eyes extend past hips at back closure
Top with angled hem and textured finish, hand-dyed hook-and-eye tape at princess seam forms a collared neckline
Open back with adjustable ties
Lightweight cotton gauze dress with lace screen-print, one-shoulder neckline, low cut hip, and belt closure
Molded overlay made from stiffened fabric wraps the body with leather belts
Hairpin lace crochet skirt with asymmetrical hem, adjustable side ties, and hand-stitched chainmail reinforcing distressed areas
Molded top made from digitally printed fabric with chainmail shoulder straps and a leather lace-up back
Gown with hand-molded, stiffened bodice forms a sculptural one-shoulder silhouette with an open back
Black twill skirt with asymmetrical pleats and a brocade overlay at the hip, finished with side zip and back snap closure