Exposed Essence

Exposed Essence brings details such as the classic stripes on umbrellas and windbreakers as well as the comical concept of en¬joying a fish and chips in a cagoul whilst shivering on the beach to life. Bringing a sense of fondness and Nostalgia that deeply resonates with me. I wanted to build upon this theme of research and continue to look at imagery of real people and their lives, family pho¬tographs and original garments. I was very much in¬spired by the works of Martin Parr, Tadeo Cern and Tom Wood when gathering imagery for my research. From reflecting upon these works I began to think about how they both encapsulate the authenticity of people and how vulnerability is an intrinsic part of being human. The narrative of a constant adjustment of a swimsuit or the struggle of putting on an ill-fitting child’s outfit is a concept that stuck with me and has very much influenced my rational when it came to design. I wanted to delve into the juxtaposition of the charming retro patterns of vintage swimming costumes and the idea of play and child-hood nostalgia, compared with the grotesque reality of the surroundings, such as littered waste and disconcerting expressions. It was the clash between the comical and the perplexing that I think high-lights the beautiful imperfections of an individual.