Hasta La Ideas

Underwear adorned with artificial pubic hair and a skirt padded to look like love handles feature in this collection of garments by design student Debora Dax.

Dax’s InConTextUre clothes aim to highlight features of the body that people typically want to conceal.

“This clothing series is inspired by human body textures, which we like to hide and avoid,” said Dax. “This project shows that those structures are interesting and can be seen as body decorations.”

Differences in physique, skin quality and body hair are all celebrated in her nude-coloured garments.

“It took some time to find the right materials that give the feeling of skin as colour, fabric surface and structures, and also ensure that those fabrics work together as a collection,” Dax told Dezeen.

The collection includes three pairs of lycra tights that are designed to make the wearer appear to have liver spots, acne and warts on their legs.

A trio of pieces made from neoprene draw focus to body areas associated with weight. “The fabric is quite heavy and it creates the beautiful fat rolls when you fold it,” said Dax.

The sweater is distended to resemble a beer belly, trousers are cut and folded to suggest cellulite under the rear and a dress bulges at the sides to act as love handles.

One translucent shirt is coloured with yellow patches to look like bruises, while another is painted in lighter smears to create the impression of dry, flaky skin.

Synthetic threads that mimic the look and texture of pubic hair are stuck onto the front, underside and back of a pair of underwear to emulate natural growth. Another pair is patterned to look like stubble across the pubic area, an effect created using a tufting machine.

Dax has also created a bikini that is stitched with lines that could be mistaken for stretch marks, as well as a fully wrinkled swimsuit.

“The skin has a variety and diversity of interesting surfaces, delicate ornaments and beautiful color ranges and gradients,” said Dax. “Why are those skin structures seen as less beautiful? Why do we prefer not to have them on our body?”

The designer completed the project while studying on the Man and Communication course at Design Academy Eindhoven. Her collection is on display at the WOW Amsterdam gallery until 16 May.

Project credits:

Concept, design and art direction: Debora Dax, Design Academy Eindhoven, Man and Communication, 2014
Photography: Jose Pasmans
Models: Cleo Kerkhof and Hannah Hurtz

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