X4 is inspired by my experience with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) which was heightened due to the pandemic. The name stems from my urge to complete actions in multiples of four. My line-up will conceptualise getting intrusive thoughts, the build up of anxiety, the temporary relief that comes from fulfilling compulsions and then showing how this repetitive cycle consumes the life of those with OCD. To achieve this, the garments progressively get more abstract and less functional towards the end of the line up.
The monochromatic, white colour story is used to create a clinical atmosphere. Fabrics such as coated linens, stretch mesh and hand-waxed cottons assist in achieving this. Natural dyes were also used to mimic imperfections in the skin caused by cleaning rituals. The aim of my collection was to depict the idea of being trapped in your own mind, using restriction in garments as a vehicle to demonstrate this.
The collection was designed with the intention of being a wearable gallery installation, with inspiration from Japanese designers such as Commes Des Garcons and Yohji Yamamoto.
Outfit 3 – Consumption
Outfit 3 – Consumption
Outfit 1 – The build up of anxiety
Outfit 2 – Temporary relief
Oufit 2 – Temporary relief
Outfit 4 – Cyclical effect
Being trapped in your own mind
Outfit 4 – Cyclical effect
Research
Fingertrap dress initial design development
Looking at protective headgear as a source for form