FREAKY FREAKS
Fashion / Futures / Textiles
University Project 2025-2026
Complete Journey: Research → Concept → Finished Pieces
Concept
Interested originally in the circus and exploring it all, its circle of abuse and how contradictory to this, it was somewhat of a powerhouse for women, women being superwoman. Challenging the perceptions of femininity and masculinity as promulgated ideas that gave freedom of expression.
Shapes, patterns, colours, and so much more interest my researching. With this I want to integrate the idea and circus as two women together, but still there is so much abuse, physical and emotional. How the 'circus' became a metaphor in political rhetoric, with left-wing political activism driving the social circus movement, using "the power of the arts as a tool for human development and social change."
My pattern making skills. I want to keep exploring also 'freaks' in the world, outcasts. We all are?
Market Position
Catered for a more luxury/premium brand. Similar to Paolo Carzana, Dilara Findikoglu, Cavalli, John Galliano, Jean Paul Gaultier.
What I create could be in a gallery with its story and process presented, holding meaning and purpose.
Sustainability Approach
I want to design for circularity, minimum waste, and longevity. Finding already used fabrics, disregarded fabrics and reusing them, creating something new. Either through finding fabrics in charity shops, my house, people around me... keeping a minimum amount of waste as possible.
Research & Visual Development
Digital collages exploring circus culture, zebra patterns, vintage imagery, and geometric colorways created in Photoshop and InDesign.
Research & References
Circus Events
- • Circus Extreme
- • Cirque du soleil
- • ASU Surreal Circus Events
Contemporary Artists
- • Jenny Rings — Fitting In
Literary References
Angela Carters 'Nights at a Circus'
Interviews & Research
- • Harpers Bazaar interview with Bethany Williams and Priya Ahluwalia
- • Interview with Maria Grazia Chiuri on womens rights
- • Interview with Beth Ditto and Dilara Findikoglu talk modern feminism and queer icons
- • Interview with Dilara Findikoglu, LoveMatTV
Academic Research
ASU Professor Andrea Benne challenges the stigma of the female body in art installations exploring performance and the body.
Aesthetic Vision
My overall aesthetic I'd like to present in this project is a freaky, weird, clownish, 'circus' like aesthetic. Yes 'too much' can have on; chaos, beauty, ugliness, craziness, overconsumption and its negative impact, femininity and masculinity, going against and using what many have and still call women, such as, 'over theatrical', 'wretched'... taking back those words and taking power from them.
Color Palette
I want to use a wide colour range. Ranging from using a multi colour palette to also just using one colour in some sections.
Materials & Texture
I want to use fabrics with vibrant colours that stand out, possibly have an interesting look to them, something not completely plain, however I can get plain fabrics as well and print and design my own pattern for them.
Design Approach
Form & Structure
I would also like my fabrics to have some structure to them, but some pieces I'd like to be draped letting the fabric take its own shape and form, experimenting with it all.
Silhouette Exploration
I want to explore silhouettes similar to the outfits and 'freaks' you would see back in 1800-1900, taking inspiration from that time and modern age as well, feminism and to redefine masculinity. I think I will design something not fully proportionate to the human body, 'weirder' or exaggerated proportions for pieces, accentuating parts.
Finished Garments
From research and concept to realized pieces. Each garment embodies the theatrical, circus-inspired aesthetic through sustainable, upcycled materials and exaggerated silhouettes.
Layered Blue Dress with Theatrical Styling
A multi-layered garment combining structured and draped elements with a circus-inspired mirror headpiece. The piece explores femininity, performance, and nature through theatrical presentation. Materials sourced from charity shops and upcycled textiles.
Collection Overview — Three Completed Pieces
The collection demonstrates variety in silhouette, color, and texture while maintaining the cohesive circus-inspired theatrical aesthetic. From left to right: ruffled cream dress with exaggerated proportions, pink satin slip dress, and striped multi-layered piece.
Construction
- • Upcycled charity shop fabrics
- • Hand-finished details
- • Exaggerated silhouettes
- • Layering techniques
Materials
- • Satin and silk fabrics
- • Ruffled tulle layers
- • Striped and patterned textiles
- • Zero-waste approach
Aesthetic
- • Circus-inspired theatricality
- • Feminine/masculine fusion
- • Vintage meets contemporary
- • 'Freaky' proportions
Complete Design Journey
"This project demonstrates the full cycle of fashion design — from initial research and conceptual mood boards through material sourcing and sustainable practice to final garment realization. Each step informs the next, creating pieces that carry meaning beyond aesthetics."