Approach: Different style choices are a tool we use to control how others perceive us. Whether its hiding, exposing or distorting our identity, expression has developed into a performance and the sense of personality is lost. Denim’s character and its versatility, Eyeliner as an expressive art form, Lace and its vulnerability and over sexualised appeal and Streetwears’ rebellious nature against society, are all different methods of unconventional layering. This theme personifies the protective and vulnerable juxtaposing nature behind our fashion choices.

The ideas from Goffman (1959) and Lawton (2020) theories cohesively reiterate that we hide our identity to protect ourselves from society. These themes are visualised through a collection of images reducing the complex pressure to appear a certain way; down to a simple pile of material-based photographs. This reiterates the idea that the constant need to impress others by covering yourself has been made redundant.

Individually exploring Denim, the character and versatility that it holds within society, I was interested to explore eras within its storytelling. Through my research I explored the history of denim and the evolution of its purpose throughout the last century, from workwear to runways. Transcending sex and age, denim cannot be contained to certain demographics.

Outcome: My findings told how we can retell the history of our denim, through up-cycling, repurposing, creating new art, rejecting social norms and bringing denim into a new era.