The Function of Fashion
The Brief:
To create an exhibition piece as a group regarding an area within fashion anthropology from individual research exploration.
The exhibition took place in Newton building on the NTU campus.
My Roles and Skills:
Concept development
Photographer
Post production (Adobe Photoshop & Lightroom)
Shoot coordinator
Styling
The Response:
Following individual research into multiple different areas of fashion anthropology, we came up with an exhibition piece titled 'The Function of Fashion' which explored the origins of utility and how fashion has encapsulated this. We decided to create a series of photographs that breaks down function and utility of a daily routine, but takes a surrealist approach with fashion.
ARTIST STATEMENT:
Function is the purpose for which something is designed or exists. The limits of this are not bound to the original perceived usage although they can be imbedded into society. Breaking these and pushing boundaries can create new perspectives. Stripes, Cargos, Knitwear, Monochrome and Dungarees originated from utility and function which are now deep rooted in trends and the current fashion climate. Blumberg’s trickle-up theory (1970) encapsulates this by conveying the climb of garments through status, slowly straying from its original function, growing into something else entirely. After investigative research into the historical context of each of these themes, it was apparent that function was the basis of each of their creation. Therefore inspiring the overarching concept for this exhibition – The Function of Fashion. The series of photographs explores function in its literal sense. Taking a surrealist approach to the composition of the piece conveys how fashion and clothing functions have been lost in translation due to their development into trends. With functional items being replaced by fashion garments, the aim is to reinforce the origin of the clothing and to look past the trends as they are today. These photographs allow for re-engagement between the individual and fashion, re-evaluating the concept of fashion and its involvement in societal progression.