Fashion Design
Louise Marchand
Dissociate
Dissociation is a psychological term used to refer to experiences relating to an individual’s detachment from reality. It is a common after-effect for individuals who have endured trauma and is characterised as startling and distressing.
Dissociate critically examines this episode of detachment and the unsettling feelings that the individual experiences.
Pulling solely on female artists for inspiration, Dissociate focuses on interpretations of body distortion and abstraction, in particular, the works of sculptor Sarah Lucas, and photographers Polly Penrose and Vivianne Sassen.
Black and white are used exclusively throughout the collection to communicate the contrasting inner and outer chaos and calm of a dissociative individual.
Translucent crinoline exemplifies the secrecy and invisibility of trauma and its effects, while black and white striped cotton is used in opposing directions to represent the disorientation an individual would feel during a dissociative episode.
Large, organic shapes cover the body to communicate the feeling of being removed from oneself, achieved through innovative pattern cutting and draping on the stand. The structured pieces below represent the feelings of restriction and helplessness, gradually dissipating and reducing over time.
Work Experience: Lizzie Agnew, Belfast