A Celebration of Mortality is a line of women's formal wear with a theme of Death. I have always been drawn to the darker side of things. I find the macabre uniquely beautiful, and I find the human perception of death to be strangely fascinating. I know my interest is not necessarily shared by the general public. That is why I wanted to create a line of clothing that showcases death in such a way that everyone would be able to see its beauty. There is no black, no chains, no spikes. Instead, I use lace, pearls, pleats, and chiffon. This line is a celebration of life, and the beautiful part that death plays in it. It's a celebration of our mortality.
The three dresses that I designed and created are evening gowns that reflect the anatomical connections that we associate with our mortality.
model: Allison Polaski
photographs and editing by: Madeline Goheen
song: Nothing Else Matters by Apocalyptica
The Muscle dress is a floor length burgundy gown. The bodice is covered in pleats, with a cut out back, and off the shoulder sleeves. The design of the dress and especially the pleats reflects the shape and location of the muscles of the human body.
The Circulatory Dress. This dress features a lace bodice with burgundy lining, a sheer floor length skirt, a front pocket, and a heart shaped open back. The deep red lining underneath the lace represents the blood inside of us, and the many curved and winding seams bring to mind the veins that run throughout our bodies.
The Skeleton dress. The main body of this dress is actually a romper with a cut out back, pleated chest, and bare lace stomach. The skirt is pleated and draped chiffon with a high slit. The open back is strung with beads that resemble a spine and ribs, and the front pleats also form a ribcage for the chest.
