I Don’t Dream of Marriage exists as a balancing act between desire and evasion. Garments range from heavy to nearly transparent, with structured silhouettes that force the body to move in deliberate ways, reflecting the contradicting duties of wifely life—burdens to carry, what should be seen versus covered, and for whom. Still upholding the beauty of bridalwear and what could be, the work incorporates repurposed materials, traditional and non-traditional fabrics, laser cutting, and braided hair.
“I Don’t Dream of Marriage communicates my anxieties around the self-inflicted sacrifice I have observed that comes with being a wife. Falling in love so earnestly that the self-imposed loss of agency slips past you—you hold the pistol at your own foot, not him. Eroding your own dreams, career, time, identity, and agency so deeply and dangerously for the sake of love is something I don’t dream of—the act of silently losing yourself for another person. The fear deepens when I think of the women in my family—fierce, defiant—who also became wives through great sacrifice. So, it seems like my fate is already sealed.
This is a bit of an odd love letter to them as well.”
Look 1: Marjorie
Fabric Details:
Bra: Polyester Taffeta
Bra Lining: Polyester Twill Blouse: Silk Chiffon
Sleeve, Skirt/Dress: Polyester Satin, Silk Chiffon
Bra Lining: Polyester Twill Blouse: Silk Chiffon
Sleeve, Skirt/Dress: Polyester Satin, Silk Chiffon
Description:
With the hidden option of being worn as a gown, a deteriorating heavy dress slings at the hips. Within the raw finishes and edges, buttons and ties provide different ways for the dress to be bustled up, emphasizing its vulnerable state. I Don’t Dream
of Marriage’s narrative begins where naive girl- hood messily melts away and womanhood emerges.
of Marriage’s narrative begins where naive girl- hood messily melts away and womanhood emerges.
xxx Earrings in collaboration with Jayie Chou xxx
Look 2: Jennifer
Fabric Details:
Bustier: White Lace and Silk Organza “Panties”: Scuba Crepe Spandex
Draped Top, Skirt, and Hood: Silk Organza
Side Hoops Boning Casing: Cotton Twill
Skirt, and Hood: Silk Organza
Description:
Covered in pleated organza yet still revealing, Jennifer references the wedding night—where ideals of purity contrast with expectations of intimacy. Innocent white is replaced with sheer off-white transparency, and the traditional veil becomes a detachable hood.
xxx Earrings made in collaboration with Jayie Chou xxx
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Look 3: Olympia
Fabric Details:
Bra: Polyester Satin
Draped Blouse: Silk Chiffon
Overpant: Cotton Twill, Cotton Twill Laser Cut Lace, Real Lace
Pant: Polyester Twill
Cape: Cotton Twill, Cotton Twill Laser Cut Lace, Real Lace
Description:
A heavy, trailing cape contrasts with a minimal bra, pants, and a lightweight bias-cut top. An anti-bride look that explores autonomy through contrasting forms of coverage and weight. Laser-cut lace drags and deteriorates throughout, its burned edges introducing a warm off-white against the otherwise crisp white palette.
Look 4: Maria
Fabric Details:
Dress: Polyester Taffeta, Silk Chiffon, Hand-Braided Hair and Hand-Beaded Embellishments
Arm Bands: Cotton Twill Laser Cut Lace
Organza Train/Wrist Piece: Silk Organza
Back Structure Boning Casing: Polyester Twill
Description:
Braided embellishments and laser-cut elements run throughout the garment, embedding identity into its construction. A bustle-in- spired structure emerges at the back, tied around the legs and visible through high-cut chiffon panels. With bindings at the legs and wrists, the piece restricts movement, requiring the wearer to walk with care and awareness of the burdens attached to her.
Look 5: Olympia
Fabric Details:
Dress: Cotton Twill, Cotton Twill, Laser Cut Lace, Actual Lace, Hand-Braided Hair and Hand-Beaded Embellishments
Structure: Reed Boning, Cotton Shirting Laser Cut Lace
Structure: Reed Boning, Cotton Shirting Laser Cut Lace
Description:
A traditional hoop skirt turned upside down—defying gravity and engulfing the wearer. It decays around her as laser-cut lace pieces dangle from its cage. Hair twirls within the dress standing as the collection’s only pure-white collective ensemble.
Textile Details
Hand-Braided Hair & Beading Hand-SewnApplique
*80% of beading repurposed from old donated bridal beaded samples*
Red and Black Hair Blended Together by Hand to Color Match Fabric
Laser Cutting Mimicking Lace Patterning
Braid & Bead Applique Combined with Layered Laser Cut Lace and Real Lace Layers
