Fashion Design

Siobhán Malanowski

THE GIRLS ARE SCREAMING

My collection draws from the historical diagnosis of “hysteria,” once a common label for disorders like bipolar and post-partum depression. Symptoms like anxiety, irritability and sexual desire were associated with this diagnosis, reflecting societal attitudes toward women’s mental health. Inspired by Salvador Dalí and Francis Bacon’s depictions of mentally unstable women, my designs aim to capture the chaos and turmoil experienced by those diagnosed with hysteria. Shapes are abstract and moody, echoing the emotional complexity of the subject matter.

The collection explores the medical abuse endured by women diagnosed with hysteria, incorporating elements of straitjackets and 18th- and 19th-century medical coats. Fabrics like green satin and gold-coated chiffon convey emotional intensity. The deep green, inspired by Bacon’s work, symbolizes diseased minds, while the chiffon’s draping evokes emotions pouring out. This narrative reflects on the historical oppression of women under the guise of medical treatment, celebrating their resilience in the face of adversity.

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