Fashion - Bachelors

Union

trophy Awarded

The violent bastardisation of marriage told through fabric and religion. Each silhouette represents a piece of chess, and how women are used as pieces in a gruesome game. Referencing the greats such as Iris Van Herpen, Botticelli, Michelangelo, McQueen and Paco Rabanne, the collection aims to encapsulate the theme of the reluctant bride.

Nathalie Coronado Quispe

MAGDALENA

‘He took his twelve disciples with him, along with some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Among them were Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons‘

Featuring a handmade bone corset created from silicone, wire and plaster, MAGDALENA serves to embody the use of religion to oppress women in marriage and uphold misogyny and strict gender roles.

MADONNA

‘And a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars‘

Elizabethan ruffs and lace aim to encapsulate the immaculate beauty of MADONNA. The most powerful piece, yet still submits wholly. The most devoted, no matter the cost- she signifies the love that knows no bounds, regardless of how much pain it may cause her.

BABYLON

‘Having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.‘

The complete foil to MADONNA, the revealing, bondage-inspired silhouette of BABYLON personifies the projection of sexual desire onto marriage. The carefully cut and individually folded slits in the gown resemble cut and exposed flesh- disposable and for use of pleasure.

JOAN

‘Since God had commanded it, it was necessary that I do it. Since God commanded it, even if I had a hundred fathers and mothers, even if I had been a King’s daughter, I would have gone nevertheless.’

Chain mail is contrasted with a feminine flowing skirt to create the heroine, JOAN. She signifies violence and war, but most crucially the defiance against defeat. The corset created from wool, aims to combine medieval aesthetics with retro-futurism which is further propelled by the chain mail shawl.

Nathalie Coronado Quispe

Nathalie is a first-generation immigrant living in Meanjin. Born in Peru, Nathalie aims to encapsulate the intersection of religion, tradition and sexuality within avant garde and futuristic designs. Currently interning with local designer JOTEO, they enjoy spending time with likeminded creatives in the Meanjin fashion and music scene.