Incongruous

‘Incongruous’ stands on the comparison and pairing of opposites – architecture, nature, new, old, hard, soft, strength and beauty. But what comes of this comparison and pairing – the similarities of each component ‘Opposites Reconciled’.

As ornate garments belie a minimalist base of simple shapes and plain geometric lines. Architectural masculine structure is embedded in a feminine and romantic form. Straight, often symmetrical lines lose their severity as the lines are repeated and draped, creating an illusion of soft curves. The repetition of these geometric forms confers on the garments a delicate and romantic femininity, as well as strength and an almost sculptural quality. 

The motif of ‘opposites reconciled’ is woven into the colours and shapes of the garments. The interplay of concealing and revealing continues this relationship between opposites amongst the capes and the dresses. At first glance, the materials themselves also seem incongruent, regarding both colour (white and off-white) and texture (hard leather and soft organza) – further examples of things that ought not to belong together.

This idea of opposites conjures various notions of all the things that don’t belong together and this is what I have tried to undo – splitting things isn’t always the best way to resolve things. Understanding each element allows me to put things back together – knowing that difference ‘can’ stand side by side and ‘work’. The body and wearer play a huge role in how this is achieved through what is shown to the viewer and that that the wearer conceals.

Difference; blended into something new – Opposites Reconciled.