My final year collection, "Veiled Resistance," reflects my journey of identity and self-discovery. Growing up in Ireland with a devout Catholic upbringing, I initially embraced the traditional roles prescribed for women. However, as I matured, I began to question the rigid gender disparities within Catholic teachings and sought to transcend these confines. This collection visually narrates my transformative process. Inspired by the iconic nun's habit, I deconstruct its silhouette to symbolize breaking free from societal constraints, representing a journey towards liberation and self-empowerment. Influences from feminist performance artists like Yoko Ono's "Cut Piece" further inform my work. In "Cut Piece," Ono invites the audience to cut away her clothing, symbolizing the relinquishing of control and challenging traditional notions of femininity and submission. Echoing this act, my garments feature progressive deconstruction and asymmetry, celebrating individuality and the strength in embracing one's true self. "Veiled Resistance" is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of self-discovery.
