JUXTAPOSED

Juxtaposed, the collection aims to create a space for women to feel like they can have both worlds combined. These garments normalize feelings of cute, cozy, and comfortable while still being able to be seductive, sensual, and free. A blend of two aesthetics that normally wouldn’t be seen together but work together in this collection to prioritize women’s wants. Loungewear meets bondage in a unique aesthetic. With a specific focus on Shibari, an ancient form of Japanese rope bondage. Despite the stigma around bondage, Shibari isn’t always inherently sexual. It is used as a form of meditation, a beauty artform, or even to connect on a deeper level of intimacy with your partner. Shibari focuses on the safety and comfort of the subject while allowing them to have an outlet to let go and take hold. As a designer, I wanted to create an atmosphere for women to feel this through what they’re wearing and break the stigma around women’s sexuality as a whole. 

In the 21st century, all eyes are on women. Both physically and digitally. With the rapid digitalization of sex work, it’s common for any young woman to know or be involved with this line of work. For centuries sex work has been stigmatized by those who oppose it and those who support it. Constantly trying to balance what the consumer wants and what the creator wants. As a designer who works with a lot of women in this industry, I’ve been able to have open discussions about the pressure they’re put under to perform to a certain aesthetic. Society views taboo work and subjects with black and white thinking. When talking with these women they described the struggles of not being allowed to be their authentic selves. Constantly having to live a double life because of the judgments from people who oppose it but also keeping up appearances as a hyper-sexual being for those who support them. They described this as exhausting mentally. With the oversaturation of the industry online now, there is no off time. You have to constantly work all hours of the day to keep up and you have to find a niche and exploit it to the best of your ability to be able to stick out. They felt like there was no room for dressing regularly, comfortably, or expressing themselves outside of these bounds.

Models featured: @venusiangrl, @a.r.i.e.ll.e, @ashley.mcq, @thelisabacco