The Hysterical Woman
The Hysterical Woman is a satirical take on the way that women are viewed as overemotional and melodramatic in this society. In the past, hysteria was a diagnosable disorder that selectively effected women. The theories went as far as believing hysteria caused internal ailments, but no matter the time period, the medical recommendation was to get married and have sex.
The idea behind this concept developed from experiencing extreme physical isolation and loneliness. When the human brain is not entertained for a period of time, it begins to create a form of entertainment for you- whether that be a wandering mind or a hallucination of a new friend to talk to.
The process of this collection began with draping with home items. Using a tassel rug and long curtains, I wrapped the body to achieve volume and intricate shapes that inspired my initial sketches. These sketches were refined to a ready to wear collection, juxtaposing binding to represent the suffocating feeling of loneliness, with free falling pieces that represent the freedom of a wandering mind.
The fabric and color story for this collection was one of the most important elements. The fabric I selected is inspired by the interior design of the hysterical woman’s home. The colors are bright and the patterns clash to mimic the home she bides her time in.
The final collection is an artistic representation of the hysterical woman.
The collection editorial was shot in two different locations to fully encapsulate the mood of the luxurious, recluse hysterical muse.
