marechalcop2

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The enigmatic nature of the model is metaphorical of the creative direction which intended to deny the seduction remnant of the male gaze, prompting the focus towards the ambiguous presentation of the female body. This redirects the viewers gaze with focus surrounding the accessory notably the details adorned. The gaze is now identifiable with the notion that the female body, whilst can still be sexualised under the influence of the female gaze, is more than just a desirable object. A reproductive system that can generate life, skin and cells familiar to any consumers, hair and stretch marks that should be normalised and celebrated not censored.   

The tonal composition is resemblant of the photographers previously researched. The softness is complimentary of the setting, which doesn’t distract from the main focus of the images. There could be limitations with the model casting in regards to the supposal representation the averaged sized body rather than the standardised size 6/8 , however the models poses demonstrate everyone has rolls, lumps and bumps despite what social media and advertisements lead consumers to believe. It’s healthy and normal and should be celebrated rather than condemned, thus the images convey a sense of familiarity within the viewer. The images encourage a connections and sense of intimacy between subject and viewer, under the influence of the female gaze.

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Shoot concept board - composition and tones/aesthetic  Inspiration  - Petra Collins’ nostalgic tonal composition  - Johanna Stickland’s raw, honest and intimate depictions of the female figure

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Further design development. Experimentation of composition in relation to the body.  

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Design Development 

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photoshoot plan

Testing camera set up and lighting 

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Peer review // Katy Wolfe

Katy’s blog demonstrates a clear, conceptual understanding of her topic. Her knowledge of the subject, through in depth research (including multiple exhibition visits), is extensive and there is a distinct theme running throughout which has informed her responses. It’s obvious that she has keen interest and enthusiasm for her chosen subject. 

By combining a bucket hat, contemporarily identifiable with youth groups with a bright, funky, vintage fabric she successfully portrays her suggestion that age does should not define your fashion choices -- the styling is also ambiguous further implying this notion.  Her final images consider the overreaching topics running throughout her blog and demonstrate critical awareness of her subject. 

Overall she shows good self awareness, conveying her idea well and developing them into her final accessory. I love her depiction of the topic and the personal touches she has applied throughout. 

available at; https://katywolfecop2.tumblr.com/

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Peer review // Harry Clutterbuck

Harry’s blog contains large amounts of visual research which has greatly informed his accessory. By starting with primary research he was able to generate a focal point for his secondary research in which historical and contemporary references are explored in depth. There is clear direction and understanding into his topic and influences these have had on his design and styling development.  

By recognising the historical influences on contemporary designs in regards to ruffs it’s evident that he began considering ways to interpret the subject distinctive from these, identifying an unique perceptive. The finished accessory is made to a high standard and appears luxurious. The juxtaposition of the ruff with street wear is successful in fusing two garments/styles identifiable to opposing social rankings -- reflecting a distinct understanding of his topic. His varying styling with the ruff is well informed and communicates how fashion has developed over the years. 

Overall Harry demonstrates a well informed knowledge of his subject which is reflected in the success of his accessory and images. 

Available at; https://harryclutterbucklau.tumblr.com/ 

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Photographer Arvida Byström predominantly uses instagram to explore gender ideals, identity and femininity  -- similarly to Soda and Marzella her posts contradict what is conventionally expected of the female body. 

“I saw Purple Magazine (hate to hate but lets be real – we have to be able to critique each other) where their series with (mainly, except one) naked women doing nothing sexual was labelled under the tag 'sex'. Why are all naked, especially cis or non-cis female bodies labelled under sex? A body has to be able to be a body without being sex. I have sex, I love sex, sex is fun, I love feeling sexy, I like it when respectful people think I’m sexy, or like I wouldn’t mind a person masturbating to a photo of me – but my body is also so much more. It’s a body swimming and completely unsexy sometimes, it’s a body feeling tired, feeling emotions, running, sleeping, pooping, getting break downs and doing a billion things naked or not.”

Brystrom’s depiction that the female body is much more than just sexy echoes the interpretation I hope to capture within my images. The incorporation of characteristics not usually considered ‘sexy’ will contribute towards the understanding that the female body is a vessel made up of organs and skin cells, one that houses empowered, mysterious, amazing humans that far more than just a body. 

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Molly Soda is an artist and photographer whose favoured medium is instagram. Changing perceptions on femininity, normalising and body image her posts are a reference post to the ideologies I hope to capture within my own photographs. Her display of body hair in a naturalistic manner helps remind female consumers that these attributes are normal and organic and shouldn’t be such a taboo. 

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Rough illustration of final design idea. Styled with various skin toned fabrics to allude to the nude female figure only under the influence of the female gaze in order to deflect the objectifying male gaze. By incorporating an embroidered rendition of fallopian tubes and ovaries there is an emphasis in recognising the female body as something other than a sexual object. 

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Initial illustrator design rendition  Practical responce 

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Embroidery against skin 

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Running stitch embroidered in the design of a stretch mark 

      - far greater success than in the previous post. The stitching runs through the fabric more fluidly. 

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Testing whether it’s possible to embroider onto tights, under the intention to embroider characteristics that would be controversial thus stepping outside of the censorship of women’s bodies. Additionally, if worn by a ‘normal’ body type female the figure hugging material would  further celebrate the female gaze ideology which offers an alternative kind of beauty, one that is less artificial.

         - Wasn’t hugely successful due to the thinness of the material, the            stitching was pulling the weave and ultimately causing distortion. 

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‘Women definitely look at other women differently. Navigating through French fashion photographer Camille Vivier’s website proves that the female gaze is unequalled when it comes to capturing women and the invisible things defining their femininity. Born in Paris in 1977, Camille sublimes sensuality like no one else. It is away from fashion spotlights and frenzy, through her personal work, that she has always felt free to explore the diversity of the female body. Through her lens, Camille sees women like Greek statutes and proves that beauty is no matter of weight nor height. Beauty can be found in subtle moves, poses, attitudes or curves. We travelled through her archives and talked about the female gaze together.’ 

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‘In Arvida Byström’s shoot for Adidas, the model and artist wears pastel pinks and a lacy frock. She also power-poses, taking up space – evidently never having been informed that girls in pretty dresses should keep their knees together. She’s petite, blonde and feminine, but with a facial expression clearly communicating that you should not get all up in the business of this princess. On her feet, a pair of pristine sneakers announce themselves as the footwear of choice for fierce gals in skirts. And on her legs, the ultimate fashion accessory for this (and, in my opinion, every) winter: hair.

The hair, predictably, has offended those with delicate sensibilities. Byström has even reported rape threats. (Funny how folks with rigid ideas about how women should behave seem to set extremely low standards for their own public comportment, no?’

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/oct/06/swedish-model-gets-threats-after-ad-shows-her-unshaved-legs https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/oct/10/adidas-dove-hairy-legs-beauty-advertising-arvida-bystrom