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Photo by Ronald Smits
Graduation project

Dare to Wear: Body-Morphing Clothes

Chaewon Kong

A collection of unconventional garments that challenges the notion that there is a single body type.

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 items that sculpt the body into nonconformist shapes. Elements once intended to restrict — boning, padding, stuffing — are used as features that empower. Assigning a liberating purpose 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.

Degree

Bachelor

Graduation year

2023

Website

chaewonkong.com

Instagram

@chaewonkong

Photoshoot

Ronald Smits