Elia Roehrs

A continual exploration of romanticism, nostalgia and belonging through hyper-feminine motifs to celebrate inclusive beauty. My designs, textiles and use of colour will claim space and attention, subverting the contemporary sense of ‘otherness’ larger women feel in society by elevating them to a regal status. Exploring the concept of the larger female body as a ‘grotesque’ form under Mikhail Bakhtin’s grotesque theory, I will examine how these forms have been portrayed throughout history and subvert the sense of ‘failing’ associated with it. Drawing from historical silhouettes, I am to provide garments which speak directly to larger female forms, and open the dialogue around self romance and value.