The ‘Freak Show’ collection for AW18/19 was inspired by Tod Browning’s 1920 film, which told the story of a young and beautiful trapeze artist who agreed to marry a circus clown, only for darker truths to emerge as the deformed performers uncovered her sinister motives. The film’s exploration of societal outsiders deeply inspired me, leading to reflections on how fashion often marginalised or fetishised those who didn’t conform to white Eurocentric beauty standards. In this collection, I used a deliberately jarring colour palette and contrasting prints—intentionally incorporating imagery not typically seen in commercial print design—to convey the collection's introspective theme. These unconventional prints served as a visual exploration of the dichotomies of human nature: peace vs. war, beauty vs. ugliness, and how perception shaped these contrasts. Each fabric aimed to challenge conventional ideals, embracing the tension between these extremes and sparking a conversation about inclusivity and the deeper meanings behind appearances in fashion.
Experimental print design samples used in the development of the ‘Freak Show’ collection for AW18/19.
Final digital print designs used in the ‘Freak Show’ collection for AW18/19.
Menswear Final Fashion Illustration Line-up, ‘Freak Show’ collection for AW18/19.
BTS in the studio, 2018.