OMNIA

“Manus x Machina – What can you do with clothes besides wearing them?”

For our topic we had to combine a state-of-the-art technique with a traditional technique. Furthermore, we had to look deeper into what purpose clothes can serve besides covering our skin. My state-of-the-art technique turned out to be lasercutting and the thermoplastic molding of polystyrene glass to create the corsets. My traditional technique is displayed in the pants and mask. In the pants you find some handwork regarding the waistband (handstitching as done by tailors), the mask is hand embroidered with acrylic rhinestones. But what can these pieces do besides dress a body? They are a result of a collective opinion on gender. This collection was created with a critical view on the gendering of clothes. You set a statement of not conforming with stereotypical, social gender norms regarding clothes. Furthermore, I include tradition, such as the Marlene Dietrich pants or armors. And after all the corsets will give you protection against physical influences.

With these prototypes I offer a preview of the entire collection. The pieces depict the simplicity of the patterns and the delicacy the clothes were made with. Focus lies on the play between wide and form fitting shapes. Therefore, I limited myself to manufacturing two pants and two corsets. The play between opacity and transparency can be seen in more designs but is made pretty obvious looking at the outfits I made. The corsets have armor-esque optics and with their strong material can be seen as such, thereby having a masculine flair. The pants on the other hand have wide legs and lengthen the legs which would stereotypically be a womenswear element.