The Structure of Modesty

What is modesty?

How do you define modesty?

Who decides what modesty is?

And when these questions are finally answered…

Who decides the line of modesty in an ever changing world?

Is there different types of modesty?

Is anyone really modest anymore?

It is these kinds of questions that are of interest to me. They aren’t questions that can be answered in black and white. They aren’t even questions that I can create the answers to by responding to my own thoughts because the fact is that there are so many contradictions. I would consider myself modest. I try to take an interest in other people’s opinions, views and stories; I try not to brag or skite; and I try to dress appropriately to the situation. But this is my definition of modesty. I am far from modest in Muslim customs and far too modest in the eyes of a bushman.

There is an interesting article by John Grohol, Psychologist entitled ‘Is Exhibition the New Modesty”. The article explores the idea of modesty and raises the question about what it actually is and who defines it. His answer? ‘We do’. It is defined by the individual, the majority and the minority in one. However, as social media takes a larger and larger affect on the individual and whole alike, ‘exhibitionism’ is changing our perception of modesty; making it even harder to define.

Another article exploring the idea of modesty is Oliver James’ opinion piece in The Guardian (August 2011). Entitled ‘Family Under the Microscope’, James articulates the modesty, or lack thereof, present in a range of countries and cultures. It is presumed that America “hold unrealistically positive views of themselves, believing they are much better than average”. As a country and culture that is so highly influenced by America, I am in no doubt Australians are much the same.

My research lead me to consider again how modesty is more than just covering up, but a state of self. Referring to a quote on Islamic dress code which interested me earlier on; “Dress is only one aspect of total being, and merely reflects what is present inside a person’s heart”.

Perhaps for a devout Muslim, the role of dress is structured in such a way that follows their equally structured religion. But in saying that, this is true for any religion or culture; belief, customs and morals have a large impact on the way we dress from Muslim to Christian and from beach babe to the gothic subculture.

The idea of someone’s inner feelings, beliefs or customs being represented on the outside through dress is a huge concept to tackle, ranging over a myriad of areas and ideas. In fact, the idea of inner feelings being portrayed on the outside is something I am exploring in Technology and Dress at the same time as this. This does not mean, however, that these two projects will be in any way similar.Culture and Dress brings an inspiration on its own; the Palestinian dress, the idea of modesty, and the contemporary environment to which I bring forward these designs.

Technology and Dress

Technology and the body is a major part of any life. Not only is there transplants and manipulations, but it is a part of everyday life. As technology advances, it becomes more and more evident in everyday life to a point where people are dependent upon it. We become more and more connected to the world as well as community, with social networks such as Facebook and Twitter a perfect example. But with a personal front in the form of a digital wall or selection of short messages, it is evident that a loss of face to face communication techniques is apparent. Obviously humans have lost many adaptations that are necessary for animal survival, but have we even lost the ability to communicate properly? A computer screen needs nothing more than a few lines of text. There is no need for body language or other forms of communicative techniques. With technology so encrypted into our daily lives, it is not going anywhere. Evidently, our only savior is the problem itself; we need technology to get us back to animal basics. 

I was inspired by technology to create these conceptual  garments following the technology created by Carbon. Keep reading for all the details:

When vapourised, Carbon creates what is called a Buckminsterfuleren or a ‘Bucky Ball’. The structure created is of a shape like a soccer ball with 12 pentagon and 20 hexagon shapes which, interestingly, fit together. When this molecule is stretched, it creates a nanotube molecule. This molecule has the ability to hold up an incredible weight percentage which is 10x stronger than any other material in the world. What is specific to my project, is the last manipulation done to this molecule. When the molecule is split in half and ‘opened up’, it creates a strong, transparent, flexible and electrical material which can potentially be wrapped around, say the wrist, and be used as a touch screen computer.

It is predicted that this material may be available in as little as 2-3 years time, meaning it is only a matter of time before people are not only surrounding themselves in various forms of technology, but literally wrapping themselves in the material. But instead of putting up a barrier in communication even further, can this technology aid in face to face communication techniques, bringing the inside feelings out? 

Catalyst 2011 

Garments made from interfacing tucked and glued. Plastic shade-cloth for silver shapes. Computer chips and cords for accessories.

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.