After graduating from Central Saint Martins, designer Johanna-Maria Parv created a liberating feminist clothing line which explores the role clothing plays in restricting women in society.
The designer studied how clothing, specifically from the 1890s and 1940s, limited a woman's movement and subsequently, her role in society. Based on these discoveries, the artist made the respected garment alterations necessary to enhance mobility. Inspired by female cyclists, this clothing line features helmets with giant lips, jackets with industrial built-in purse holders, oversized gloves and pants with holes for bike seats. These modified garments stand as a symbol for "women in action" and explore the social role clothing plays.
The clothing line is entirely hand-made using wool combined with leather in a palette that ranges from subtle browns to vibrant reds.
Liberating Feminist Fashion Lines
This Line Fuses 1890s Fashion with Modern Female Cyclists
Trend Themes
1. Feminist Fashion - Designing clothes that challenge traditional gender roles and empowers women with increased mobility
2. Functional Clothing - Creating garments with practical industrial features to enhance everyday movement
3. Vintage-inspired Fashion - Incorporating designs from past eras and reimagining them to suit the modern woman
Industry Implications
1. Fashion Design - Opportunity to showcase how fashion can uplift females by making functional and iconic designs that break gender norms.
2. Sportswear - Creating sportswear with efficient design and female empowerment in mind can help promote a sense of freedom and confidence
3. Textile Production - Providing materials that can be utilized in functional and versatile designs to suit modern-day needs of women