Creative Design: Undergraduate

Outsider

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Abstract

An outsider is someone or something that does not belong to a particular group or that is not accepted by or isolated from society. The inspiration behind this piece came from the idea of creating a shell -- a second skin -- for a person to inhabit. By almost completely enveloping its inhabitant, this piece transcends its primary function as a coat and becomes an impermanent structural barrier. By clothing our bodies we create a clear distinction between inside and outside, protecting ourselves from the elements of nature that might come to harm us. This layer of protection thus provides the wearer with a sense of security and comfort. The oversized drape of the coat shrouds any indication of the wearer's body, obscuring their identity. In consequence, the wearer truly becomes an outsider as the individual is unable to be identified, and thus avoids any association with a particular group.

How to Cite:

Powell, R., (2016) “Outsider”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 73(1).