As I mentioned in my previous post, I’m going to create garments that are raising awareness about social conflicts, that concerns me. The first one is The Black Collection, which is raising awareness for mental health. Mental health is just as important as physical health, yet is underestimated, ignored, or even stigmatized in worst cases.
Some key facts (source: www.who.int):
“In 2019, 1 in every 8 people, or 970 million people around the world were living with a mental disorder, with anxiety and depressive disorders the most common. In 2020, the number of people living with anxiety and depressive disorders rose significantly because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Initial estimates show a 26% and 28% increase respectively for anxiety and major depressive disorders in just one year. While effective prevention and treatment options exist, most people with mental disorders do not have access to effective care. Many people also experience stigma, discrimination and violations of human rights.”
Mental illness could come in various range of disorders: mood or behavior disorders: anxiety, depression, paranoia or eating disorders and the list goes on. First of all, to symbolize the vide range the garments are not evenly black everywhere, they are having bright silver or golden coloured pieces too, they are standing for the smoother times. The black parts are symbolizing the illness and mostly they are either the lining (because what we see on the surface, might be just a small part and the problem is much deeper than that) or the collar (as these feelings can be very choking). Going further on the dress the black fabric is plush (saved from being thrown away after a film shooting), as sometimes even the negative emotions could be comforting, just because it’s already a well-known place. My personal part is in the blouses – the black-white rose fabric inlays are from my grandma’s wardrobe, being upcycled. She just passed away recently, and I found this way of grieving helps to better process.
Additionally, we tried to picture the feelings and situations too to give the clothes and the project a deeper, ‘living’ aspect. The team and I used a very personal view and used our own experiences, hence not all levels or emotions might be touched. This project has been made to let everyone know, fighting with mental illness, that they are not alone and there is help. If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out to your local organizations, doctors and therapists.
To visit the whole photo gallery click here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=triszdesign&set=a.354588417465235