‘Eternal Exoskeletons’ emphasises clothing as a form of armour, an exoskeleton worn to protect the soul and identity of an individual. I am experimenting with blending corsetry and armour signifiers to create garments that make the wearer feel both romantic and powerful. Each look is built around the fantasy stories I escaped into throughout my childhood, with a character crafted for every piece to shield the vulnerability of a young identity. This collection serves as a form of escapism from reality, reflecting the need for protection and a tough outer shell. I’ve used signifiers of traditional armour through my material choices and silhouettes, combining contemporary fabrics such as denim with more traditional ones like leather and silk. Leather, being a durable material, perfectly reflects my concept of an exoskeleton or second skin. My grandparents were leather workers, and I’m exploring the techniques they could have taught me, using tools my nanna left behind. ‘Eternal Exoskeletons’ is a reflection of my love of fantasy and escapism, while also challenging me to learn new techniques and feel closer to my grandparents through their craft.