Preen’s Empowerment and Other Essays. Justin Thornton and Thea Bregazzi delivered a collection that evokes a sense of freedom that women are deprived from.
A message empowerment screams through the collection of by dynamic duo and partners in real life, Thea Bregazzi and Justin Thornton. Inspired by Hester Prynne and her letter A in The Scarlet Letter evokes a sense of freedom that women are deprived from. Hence, the collection, through the occasional anarchy symbol of the letter A embroidered on the sheer white fabrics of some of the pieces, implies vocal stance against women’s threatened freedom.
White sheer silk slip dresses, asymmetrical pieces, cutouts make up the collection. Other simple features such as pure white cotton, bonnets, laces and chiffons are incorporated into the pieces, creating a deconstructed innocent yet rather bold statement. Dusty pastels complete with ruffled detailing, hints of silver beadings also make up a rather girly yet unabashed statement. Occasional use of sheer laces, silken cutout dresses and floral detailing add a touch of sensuality, women-like vulnerability giving the impression of the women’s body as an object.
A feel of romance, a touch of blood red, pastoral yet pungent, the collection seem to take a stand on what it means to be women and to stand tall. Various references were used in order to create the story of the overall collection. Bregazzi and Thornton have translated them beautifully and evocatively in to the myriad of feminine-like textiles and fabrics. (Text Beata Primana)