P001 → Preserve The Purloined (B.F.A Collection, S.C.A.D. 2024)
"Preserve the Purloined" invites viewers to reflect on the profound impact of losing something cherished, a concept inspired by the infamous Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum heist of 1990. My senior debut collection delves into the world of high-stakes art theft, exploring the layers of desire and deceit behind a masterful heist. Was this crime a mere mishap or a meticulously orchestrated plot?
Central to this narrative is a female curator who becomes enraptured by the painting "Flaming June" by Frederic Leighton. Painted in 1895, this serene depiction of a sleeping woman draped in a vivid orange gown ignites a fervent obsession in the curator. The tranquil beauty of the muse embodies the grace and allure that the curator longs to possess. In her quest to claim the painting, she seduces the newly hired female security guard, weaving a web of manipulation and deceit. The curator and the guard, united by their shared infatuation, devise a plan to steal "Flaming June" in under an hour. The plan culminates in a high-stakes escape with the painting, orchestrated by none other than the curator herself, who vanishes into the night, leaving the security guard behind as a scapegoat.
The collection underscores the personal significance of the painting for me. Growing up with a replica of "Flaming June," I was captivated by its serene beauty, which profoundly influenced my journey of self-discovery and acceptance as a queer woman. The collection reflects my exploration of sexuality and self-love through fashion.
Utilizing 3D rendering software such as Clo 3D, I meticulously crafted complex tailoring, experimented with graphic placements, and developed innovative textile manipulations, including flatbed printing on leather. The CLO patterns and skirt graphics were segmented to facilitate simultaneous printing of patterns and graphics onto the leather, creating a textured, luxurious finish. As the skirt is worn, the printed image gradually fades, mirroring the mystery of the stolen art.
Bright, iridescent orange chiffon evokes the painting's elegance and serenity, while the use of the world's blackest light-absorbing fabric creates a stark contrast, symbolizing the void left by the stolen artwork. This fabric, absorbing 99.9% of light, conjures an empty, enigmatic space that compels viewers to remember the beauty that once adorned the frame.
The collection merges traditional suiting with leather, velvet, and rib knit, embodying a luxurious heist aesthetic. I aim to imbue my customers with a sense of being part of a grand narrative—both as art thieves and as living pieces of art themselves. Through this collection, I hope to inspire appreciation for the art that surrounds us and to draw from the rich tapestry of history and personal experience. The fusion of industrial hardware with hand-braided accessories and the juxtaposition of traditional and modern fabrics underscores a blend of feminine authority and the allure of grand larceny.