Theme: Connection . Dissociative identity disorder (DID) 

CONNECTION WITHIN THE SELF

ALTERS

.PROTECTOR.

.ABUSED VICTIM.

.CHILD.

Those who have Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) have multiple alters within the self. Connection within the self is crucial as some alters may intend to do harm to the host and the other alters, as well as creating conflicts. This dress is made to represent and to help establish connection between the different alters.

Protector

Abused Victim

Child

Contrasting material

Contrasting material are used to represent the characteristics of the different alters. 

   PROTECTOR   

DENIM . BLEACHED 
In representation of the tough, brave, strong and protective characteristic
 

   ABUSED VICTIM   

THERMOCHROMIC THREAD . WRAPPED AROUND WIRE  

In representation of the shy, fragile, sorrowful characteristic

   CHILD   

FLOWY ORGANZA . TIE-DYE
In representation of the pure, vulnerable, cheerful, innocent characteristic 

Contrasting Shape

The shapes are based on my primary research

PRIMARY RESEARCH

(particiapnts are asked to act out and write down a sentence in representation to the three alters)

Connection relies heavily on communication and mutual understanding, therefore strings of beads are used in representation of languages.

LANGUAGE . COMMUNICATION

the 'blank sheet' idea

The bottom part emphasises on an element of transparency, suggesting a ‘blank sheet’ idea for future continuity of communication and bonds yet to be established. 

DESIGN SKETCHES

EXPERIMENTATION ------THREE INTO ONE

By combining all the features into one single dress, it helps bringing the ‘connection within the self’ concept up the next level.