EXPLOITS
A three look collection exploring the exploitation of animals, workers, and land as a product of the fashion industry
DIS Digital Fashion and the Body Summer 2025
Rapid Production
My second course while abroad was a rigorous three-week fashion workshop. I was tasked with rapid learning of the CLO3D software and the creation of a speculative three-piece collection.
The Collection
Exploits explores the inherent exploitation present in the fashion industry, along with the absence of this exploitation when designing in a digital realm. The pieces in this collection dramatize trends of exploitation in the fashion industry. Workwear becomes highly deformed and nonfunctional, portraying how workers are left behind. Animal materials are used without restraint, due to a lack of consequences. The collection dramatizes very real exploitation as a tool for exploration.
Distorting and Covering the Body
Exploring precedents in the fashion industry, along with body-focused art, provided revelations on exploitations and distortions of the body. An understanding of clothing as in constant conversation with the body it covers and resources it pulls from guided this collection.
Core materials used in the collection. Silk, leather, fur, and canvas
printed with grotesque teeth. Each portrayed in dramatic colors.
The Huntress
Inspired by a cloaked hunter, this look is covered with fur forms overwhelming the body. These forms appear parasitic, just as the fashion industry disrupts animals used for fur, the model’s figure is disrupted.
The Mechanic
The Mechanic pulls primarily from workwear and utilitarian clothing. Straps, buttons, pockets, and layers topped by a trapper’s hat point to excessive workwear-inspired looks in high fashion. This look focuses on the degradation of functionality in favor of fashion.
The Siren
The siren hides its exploitative aspects under the cover of luxury. Silky and sheer, this look is still adorned with animal materials and odes to work wear, but appears more serene.
The dress is patterned with a close up of grotesque teeth. Calling to the destruction of bodies as a result of processes in the fashion industry.
A trappers hat and face mask, traditionally utilitarian, become excessive fashion items. Asking how original function has been distorted and left workers behind.
This look features oversized straps, patching, and transparent tulle patches. Continuing an ode to work wear, this look captures the stylization of utility wear.
A Study in
The Speculative
Design as Expression
This project was challenging and incredibly rewarding. The process of learning a new tool, understanding a new form of design, and then trying to make an impact with it contained many layers. The challenge of this task added a deep layer of meaning; each garment had a level of intention and storytelling. The project blends art and design, a look into the kind of visual storytelling I find passion in.
