Throughout history and into the present day, corsets, girdles, push-up bras and shapewear have shaped our perceptions of beauty. Hidden under layers, body-contouring clothes have long served as tools to conform to conventional notions of beauty. ‘Dare to Wear’ reframes these so-called ‘enhancement’ garments as objects that sculpt the body into nonconformist shapes.

Elements once intended to restrict — boning, padding, and constriction — are used as fea- tures that empower. Assigning a liberating pur- pose to oppressive elements in clothing, this collection introduces a new approach to body acceptance. Instead of enhancing specific body parts, it challenges the notion that there is a single ideal body type.

Sketches