“Horizontal Guilt” for Dover Street Market is a non-binary collection, aimed at 18 – 30 years olds, who strive to protest perceptions of fashion.

 

The Autumn /Winter 2019/20 collection, juxtapositions the fictional depiction of a fashion student with the reality being one. Propelled by the judgment, myths and assumptions made by outsiders of the industry, ‘Horizontal Guilt’ aims to portray the genuine pressure and strain of studying the degree. With a playful portrayal of personal student life, references are made to caffeine consumption, duvet desire and the use of the treasured ‘Bag for life’, carrying the copious amount of equipment required each day.

​

Legally Blonde’s Elle Woods embodies the collection by challenging the perception of the intelligence of a fashion student. Reference is made to the PVC suits worn by Woods whilst motifs of the Devil Wears Prada, and Monster energy juice, deliver the playful mockery of the glamorous fashion designer. Denim is used to make reference to the body of industrial workers who dismissed the degree qualification, and slogans demonstrate the irony in such statements. Red bull can holders and neck cushion collared jackets add a functional element, whilst the predominant part of the design aims to challenge perception and create a rebellion against the acumen of studying fashion. In a humorous manner, designs shed the skin of the imagined fashion student and reveal the reality, thus gaining the credit deserved.

 

“you must always have faith in yourself” – Elle Woods.