A SINKING SHIP, THE GRAND APPLAUSE
A SINKING SHIP, THE GRAND APPLAUSE
2024
In the late 19th century, a lively and enchanting traveling circus embarked on a grand adventure aboard a magnificent sail ship. This circus was unlike any other, known for its vibrant colors, mesmerizing performances, and infectious joy. The ship, adorned with bright flags and intricately painted scenes from the circus, sailed across the vast oceans, bringing merriment and wonder to all who witnessed it.
As the circus sailed through the open waters, the skies darkened, and the sea grew restless. Unpredictable storms surged, unleashing their fury upon the ship. The mighty vessel battled against the towering waves, but alas, the storm's relentless strength proved overwhelming. The ship was swallowed by the tumultuous sea and plunged into the depths, coming to rest on the sandy ocean floor.
In the eerie silence beneath the waves, an unexpected transformation began. The coral, adorned with a kaleidoscope of colors, started to weave its way through the sunken remains of the ship. The once lively circus had found a new home, becoming a haven for marine life. The vibrant coral formations embraced the skeletal remnants of the ship, breathing new life into the wreckage.
As time went by, word of the underwater spectacle spread throughout the region. Divers and explorers from far and wide flocked to witness the mesmerizing sight. They marveled at the surreal fusion of nature and man-made wonder. The coral, taking on shapes reminiscent of acrobats, clowns, and exotic animals, seemed to bring the forgotten circus back to life.
With each passing year, the coral continued to flourish, decorating the ship's remains with even more vibrant colors. It became a sanctuary for marine creatures, a place where fish danced among the skeletal structures, and lobsters gracefully navigated the once bustling circus arena.
And so, the tale of the traveling circus ship persisted, not as a tragic ending, but as a captivating chapter in the eternal dance of nature and human creativity. The underwater world held on to the legacy of the circus, reminding all who ventured beneath the waves that beauty and joy could be found in the unlikeliest of places.
The Ringleader
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A cropped, melton wool, double breasted sailor jacket with handmade carnival flag buttons and lace-up backing styled with the 3D printed sailing elephant brooch. Underneath, a mikado corset with hand knotted detailing and hand crafted oak wood boat cleats. The lace-up skirt with a yolk made from horse hide leather with hand etched wood grain and screw detailing, anchors 45 pounds of draped hemp rope and waterproof olefin to the waist.
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A coffee stained ruffled blouse with machine knitted net draped down the sleeves paired with moss green cotton twill, flared cuff jeans with cotton broadcloth flags “blown” across the legs.
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A horsehide leather corset with hand etched wood grain wet molded to resemble warped wood. Coral and sea-growth motifs are appliquéd on top to show the passage of time. A wet molded corset belt with a hand crafted coat clear closure serves as the waistband for unraveled hemp rope that was then woven back together in a plain weave.
Boswell
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A fitted top with repurposed belt buckle closures inspired by the acrobatic costumes of the mid 19th century. The top features a vintage circus poster print, applied through dye sublimation. Three helium balloons are nestled in internal lining pockets on the top of the shoulder. The acrobat shorts are accented by hand felted zebra print and a horsehide yolk with hand etched wood grain.
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A structured cotton duck corset built up to resemble a ships bow; 3D printed portholes allowing for sight with broadcloth carnival flags draped across the top. Machine knitted net, “seaweed” trim, cotton rope, and discarded ocean buoys hang from the hem of the corset in a tempest-swept style.
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A shipwreck inspired trench coat made from 1/8” thick 100% felt wool. Painted brown with hand soldered wood grain texture and screws, adorned with manipulated trims and fabrics and a 3D printed porthole to imitate coral growth on ship wreckage. Hand crafted redwood and rope toggles serve as the closures. Underneath, the 1/8” thick felt wool is laser cut into the shapes red fan coral and attached to a leather belt.
Moria, The Captain, & Oasis
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A Horsehide leather corset with hand etched wood grain detailing and hand crafted oak wood boat cleats serving as an anchor for a strand of cotton rope holding a cotton duck skirt constructed from the pattern of a ship’s sail. Cotton carnival flags lay across the front of the corset.
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An knit top made from 1994 cotton jersey with cotton rope across the chest. Styled with a wool felt and repurposed model ship captains hat, made in collaboration with Sophie Peters.
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A floor length neoprene coat with sea sponge and wool felt “clown” puff buttons and a cotton bow collar. A red velvet stanchion pulls the vent of the coat open, mimicking a circus tent entrance. Underneath, a true-to-era lobster tail bustle made of red cotton broadcloth and burlap.
Scenes From the Circus
A narrative collection and Fashion Odyssey film blending the aesthetics of the circus and the sea. The newfangled use of shipyard materials sourced from small marine handcrafters and an ocean cleanup organization are showcased in each garment through a theatrical lense. With its innovative perspective of where fashion and costume meet, this collection becomes an entertaining symbol of my art-to-wear design philosophy. Its corresponding film, “The Grand Applause,” serves to emphasize where fashion is costume. Amidst the external fascination, the smaller details seen in each garment and throughout the film exhibit the importance of non-abstract details when shaping the personality of a project or in the case of “A Sinking Ship, The Grand Applause,” a concept.
