A Lavender Streak

As a Queer man, I didn't grow up as myself. I instead grew up playing a version of myself that sacrificed authenticity to minimise prejudice and humiliation. This is the catalyst of my collection this year. Inspired by my journey of shaping identity, this collection focuses on the evolution of myself through clothing. From using conformity and hegemonic archetypes of "the man" as a form of protection, to embracing a softer, flamboyant and feminine side of masculinity, my collection highlights the fear, break and embrace of growing up as a Queer man. Throughout my collection, I have showcased responsible design within the realm of community and craftsmanship. Each look incorporates the use of laser-cut lace (my own design used on wool, nylon and chiffon). While laser cutting is a digital process, I, therefore, had to be meticulous during the patternmaking and construction process, engineering the laser cuts around the body, avoiding seam allowance, darts, pockets, button holes and hems. Due to the holes in the fabric, this also required altering linings (due to weight change), French seaming linings and bonding hems/facings to create a seamless outcome.