For which reasons do we choose discomfort in fashion?

During my research I stumbled across a theory by Thorstein Veblen: The Theory of leisure class. Veblen describes how women at the end of the 19th century choose uncomfortable clothing intentionally as a symbol of status. The more uncomfortable the clothing, the higher the status. As a result, the leisure class women wore outfits with bizarre shapes out of fragile, almost unspoiled fabric.

These women are the inspiration for my collection. As such I took the notion of discomfort and translated it into modern day fashion.

The women in my collection are afflicted by wind, facing the discomfort of blown up skirts and collars, unusual shapes and almost too delicate garments.

I developed my own modern lace from leather, by using the laser cut. My blown up skirts are a combination of pleated silk and sisal.

Photo: Jolijn Snijders—Eric Elenbaas agency

Styling: Jordy Huinder—Eric Elenbaas agency

Make-Up: Mascha Meijer—House of Orange

Model: Sarah—Elvis Models