Heather Lee

RMIT Bachelor of Fashion (Design)
heather.lee168@gmail.com
@heat.her__up

EXOTIC AFFECTION

A critical expression towards the hyper-sexualisation of restrictive archetypal undergarments imposed upon women from ancient and historical periods of both Eastern (Chinese/Vietnamese) and Euro-centric idealisations of beauty.

Gathered through personal experiences, ideals of Westernisation and Orientalism ultimately influenced the designs aiming to subvert the reductive nature of Asian fetishisation and racial commodification through a Western lens. The interpretive designs are purely derived from experiences of pre-existing presumptions of racial heritage that are heavily imbued in Western Society. My motive to question the dichotomy of restrictive, historical garments in contrast to the popularised fetish fashion and Punk culture is expressed through experimentation of material language and transformation of fluid and rigid configurations. By challenging the contrasting interplay of power and control, the collection reappropriates the ideals of sexual submissiveness by embracing female liberation and empowerment across diverse and abstracted constructions. Identities remain anonymous yet ultimately disclose a sense of regaining authority over oneself.

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RMIT Bachelor of Fashion (Design)

EXOTIC AFFECTION

A critical expression towards the hyper-sexualisation of restrictive archetypal undergarments imposed upon women from ancient and historical periods of both Eastern (Chinese/Vietnamese) and Euro-centric idealisations of beauty.

Gathered through personal experiences, ideals of Westernisation and Orientalism ultimately influenced the designs aiming to subvert the reductive nature of Asian fetishisation and racial commodification through a Western lens. The interpretive designs are purely derived from experiences of pre-existing presumptions of racial heritage that are heavily imbued in Western Society. My motive to question the dichotomy of restrictive, historical garments in contrast to the popularised fetish fashion and Punk culture is expressed through experimentation of material language and transformation of fluid and rigid configurations. By challenging the contrasting interplay of power and control, the collection reappropriates the ideals of sexual submissiveness by embracing female liberation and empowerment across diverse and abstracted constructions. Identities remain anonymous yet ultimately disclose a sense of regaining authority over oneself.

Title: Exotic Affection | Techniques: Basket Weaving, Hand-sliced Silicone | Textile Materials: Wool fabric, silicone, spray paint, acrylic paint, twine cording, jute twine, wool yarn, beaded trim, wire | Model: Lim Lee | Photographer: Melissa Cowan | Stylist: Stuart Walford | Installation Materials: Cubic framework, suspension ties, snap hooks, silicone sliced textiles | Installation dimensions: 3m x 3m.

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