Ellie Ossinger

Lady Bird

Historical feminine garments often symbolise the patriarchy in which women suffered due to sexual exploitation, assault, lack of freedom and rights. Through focusing on key historical eras in which women suffered oppression, I chose garment artefacts which upheld this patriarchal force against women and subverting these pieces by selecting key elements of the garment, translating these into a contemporary context, to empower woman through dress.  

Embracing and accentuating the natural feminine form through softer, more pliant recycled fabrics and creating forms which embrace the body rather than distorting it is a key focus. The collection draws upon design elements which elucidate key shapes and materials of these historical moments of dress such as the Victorian era’s iconic corset and the 1950s gingham print. 

By highlighting periods of injustices for women and challenging these through pairing with contemporary forms and silhouettes, the collection accentuates the hyper feminine attributes in a way which brings more comfort, liberation and creative expression to the wearer.