Stop Men's Violence Against Women

My concept for my collection is to call attention to a worldwide issue, men’s violence against women. Countless lives are taken directly and indirectly each year due to this global problem. A study by UNODC and UN Women shows that, on average, more than 5 women or girls were killed every hour by someone in their own family in 2021. WHO indicates that about 1 in 3 (30%) of women worldwide have been subjected to either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime. This violence often leads to fatal outcomes.

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I want to express how us women who’ve faced men’s violence can move forward with strength, and continue our fight to gain respect, space, and peace worldwide. My collection is a representation of how women have been mistreated in the past, and how our futures will look moving forward.

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I chose this topic for my collection because I grew up with an abusive father until I was 18 years old. Navigating life and depression in the years after was extremely trying, but there has always been a part of me that has wanted better. Not only for myself, but for women everywhere. Now at 24 years old, I want to be an advocate for women. It can be difficult to not feel silenced after traumatic events. This is why I believe it is my duty to stand up for countless other women like me. This collection is dedicated to the women who feel like they have lost their voice. We will find it together.

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The silhouettes are created only by draping various sizes of circles. Symbolically, a circle represents the completion of cycles, transition, potential, and a never ending movement towards self-realization. The first half of the collection is in black fabric and the second half is in white. Black circles represent the ending of a negative cycle (past mistreatment of women), and white circles represent the beginning of a new, positive cycle (the future for women).

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The client also has the option to customize their garment with embroidery. An embroidered statement is proposed for each look. All of the statements to choose from speak out against violence against women. The embroidery is customizable, the client can choose from 4 different techniques and colors. The techniques are: seed bead outline with a sequin fill, solid chain stitch, raised leather, and gradient (see pages 10-12). Like the circular patterns, the colors are also symbolic. The colors are black, red, and white, with gold details. Black represents a mourning of the mistreatment and inequality. Red represents the danger and fear that women have been living in for years. White represents new beginnings, peace, and a bright future for all women. Lastly, gold represents strength, optimism, and confidence. 

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Each circle design is stitched to a nude bustier bodysuit. The bodysuit is created using illusion tulle so it vanishes into the skin, and includes metallic gold boning. It appears as if the outer design is floating on the body.
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Hannah Rose Couture is made to empower women. This is achieved by ensuring that the client is comfortable and confident in their clothing. Therefore, each design can be created to be more opaque, if preferred. Modesty empowers some women, showing skin empowers some women, different things empower different women, Hannah Rose Couture supports the freedom to choose.