About Me
Hi, I’m Chloe, from the University of Salford.
My collection is inspired by the demonisation of the “Girly Girl” trope in film and how this affects our view of women and causes a rejection of femininity. The collection uses this demonisation as an influence for a narrative, playing on this word to create a hyper feminine cult of women, with each outfit representing a stereotype within this trope.
These stereotypes act as characters for each outfit. This trope demonises the ultra feminine girl through a number of different stereotypical characters. My 6 chosen are: the one who is obsessed with love, the mean one, the leader, the dumb one, the vain and materialistic one and the over sexualised one. Each characters outfit takes reference from their individual message but the collection is predominantly pink to unite them in their cult. Different shades of pink are used to express character identity using colour theory with slight accent colour where appropriate to display mood.
INSPIRATION
Looking at costume designers references for their costume choices in this trope was very influential
Within these films the outfits these characters wore are a big part of the character expression and meaning. As my collection aimed to regain power in expressing femininity these outfits were a big part in my design references. Looking at costume designer, Mona May’s reasonings behind every detail in the clueless costumes gave great direction in my relationships with the outfits between these characters in my narrative.
For example, her portrayal of Amber in clueless used gaudy and excessive silhouettes and details as a way of showing how her character copies and exaggerates the outfits of the leader, Cher. I used this idea of the leader and the other characters copying and having less power by also mirroring classic character Regina George’s most iconic look from the film mean girls, with the breast cut out top which is idolised and copied in the film.
MY WORK
PORTFOLIOS
DETAIL
I researched into the power of uniform.
I looked at how the power of a uniform gave identity and meaning to a group or organisation and also represented power. Because my concept centres around the lack of power due to the portrayal of this demonised trope, the regaining of power was very important to me to be symbolised in this collection. In an article named “The seductive power of uniforms and cult dress codes” it stated how the dress of cults unites the members and creates a sense of belonging. As one of the issues with this internal misogyny and rejection of femininity is women turning against each other and tearing each other down, the unity is an important theme. One way I tried to show this was through the cohesive colour. All outfits were in shades in link to represent this cult idea and oink was chosen as a stereotypical colour used in this girly girl trope.
I like to use concepts that both excite and challenge me. Exploring my concept and using research to back up design details is what pushes and elevates my design work and injecting fun and humour.
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