I have always been passionate about tattoos and tattoo design, which is why I wanted to challenge the social prejudices towards this art form. By tying back to the time period of tattoos peak western popularity and theatrical exhibitions, I wanted to produce a garment which incorporated authentic designs in an elegant and graceful way, while being understood by viewers and audiences as classic art on the body. I embroidered each tattoo into the mesh fabric, which blends into the skin so the designs move and settle on the skin like real tattoos. This also makes the garment easier for an actor to wear and remove easily in a stage production. Embroidery and sheer fabric brings the sophisticated and stylistic element, while the corset and seated pose bonds the garment to “freak shows” of the early 1900s.
Final edited photo which was submitted to the LAU Foundation Diploma 2021 Showcase
I embroidered the designs freehand using a hoop an black divider between layers.
The mesh top pre-embroidery
Photo scene setup
Development of the top embroidery on a mannequin
