Exhibit Work
For my exhibit, I wanted to envision a fashion brand that combines the stylish and extravagant style of Japanese alternative fashion to the Rio Grande Valley. While many styles such as decora, visual kei, and Lolita fashion mainly incorporated layers and heavy fabrics, my project wants to redesign them for the harsher, and oftentimes humid, climate of Southern Texas, so that many fashion enthusiasts can stay comfortable and fashionable.
Personally, I have struggled to find clothing that was both representative of my identity, as well as being well-suited for the Texas heat. I often found myself having to wear clothing that was more comfortable rather than being something I truly wanted to wear, such as clothing with many layers or with thick fabrics. With Ruffled Rose, I strive to explore creating clothing that showcases the creativity and identity within everyone who wears our brand. I also want to present an option to those who cannot afford to order this style of clothing overseas, which can often sell at a steep price for many who are fans of this clothing style. Through meticulous design planning and carefully-picked fabrics, Ruffled Rose strives to show that Japanese alternative fashion can thrive anywhere, and that many of its wearers shouldn’t have to sacrifice their self-expression for comfort. Leather and laces are exchanged for more lightweight textiles; layers and long sleeves are redesigned with airflow and comfortability in mind. We want to provide a wardrobe of vivid, accessible, and sustainable clothing that best reflects the wearer’s extraordinary style and interests.
Ruffled Rose envisions a fashion landscape where the expressional style of Japanese alternative fashion coincides with the practicality of the Rio Grande’s climate; both function and fashion are able to coexist. Ruffled Rose strives to be more than just a simple clothing brand, it seeks to present a vision of cultural fusion, showcasing that fashion is limitless across countries and climates, allowing many to continue to use fashion as their medium of self-expression.
