Jiun Ting Lin
This garment explores the psychological tension between confinement and release. The upper portion features a tightly fitted leather corset that compresses the torso, evoking a sense of breathlessness—mirroring the physical and emotional pressure of claustrophobia. In contrast, the lower half expands freely, with voluminous draping that suggests movement and liberation. This juxtaposition symbolises the idea that entrapment is often a mental construct.
Central to the construction is the water-moulding technique, which involves shaping wet leather directly onto the body. This process allows the material to conform to natural curves, creating folds that mimic human motion. Textiles play a critical role: the skirt is crafted from a rectangular piece of taffeta, gathered and darted to create volume and softness. Leather belts at the back cinch the garment together, reinforcing the theme of physical constraint. The entire piece is designed to spiral around the body, with each element contributing to a narrative of restriction and release.
