Pretty but Powerful; Concept in fashion

This project required us to re-create, re-think and re-design; that is, we got to go on an op-shopping spree, taking what we found and making them awesome! Feel free to skip straight to the pics, but for the concept behind the collection, read on;

Pretty but Powerful; What’s it all about?

Pretty but Powerful explores the juxtaposition of beauty and supremacy and broaches the question that asks “why is there a line drawn between the two?”;


The “I am beautiful/powerful” concept board outlines the concept in a representational manner. Firstly, it shows a man- masculine and powerful- baring the words “I am Beautiful”. As he fits the stereotype of powerful more so, the viewer automatically begins to consider why he is beautiful. We can come to the conclusion that it must be because of his power. The women has the same basis, but from the other angle. She fits the beauty stereotype but bares the words ‘I am Powerful’. She therefore must have power in her beauty. This concept was the basis for my collection.

The garment style and fabric are the basis in representing the concept. The lace represents the ‘pretty’ due to its delicate and fragile form while the leather represents the ‘powerful’ through its strength and durability. Together with the way the fabric sits, and positioning on the body, the fabrics show the two aspects. What particularly shows the concept, however, is the result reached when adding the two fabrics together. Leather and lace together creates a quite aesthetically pleasing result; the leather does not dominate, they do not clash in texture and the colours of each work well. The clothes presents a certain harmony between the two aspects, showing that maybe there is no segregation at all;

Beauty is power and power is beauty.



This garment was made out of an old leather shirt-style jacket and a lace dress



This Dress was made from an old corset, some lace, and one of those sheer masquito nets you have over your bed. Quite easy and it looks great, if I may say so myself...

The last outfit is the professional pic up top. We were all very lucky to recieve a free professional pic by photographer Penny Lane. The skirt was made out of a curtain, I just re-styled the top and jacket.