SPORTSWEAR PROJECT
Spring 2024
For my sportswear project, I decided to take inspiration from modern boxing and blend it with Roman gladiators to contrast one of the earliest forms of boxing with the contemporary version of the spectacle. Boxing and gladiator fights are brutalist and barbaric sports, where violence becomes victory and the fighters become bruised and bloodied for triumph.
I explore themes of movement, vulnerability, and exposure throughout the garment design and construction. Aside from the leather compression bra which acts as protection in resemblance of Roman armor, the entire garment is made of breathable, light fabrics that permit the body to move, twist, and fight. However, providing the body with movement makes it more vulnerable and exposed, as sheer, voluminous fabrics can obstruct movement and do little to protect against injury. With the use of sheer cotton and organza fabric, the body is visible through the garments, placing the wearer’s body on display for all to see.
These themes will be implemented in design through observing and analyzing both the costumes and accessories for these sports, as the tools the fighter use to win become nearly as necessary to the sport as the clothing. Details of hand wraps, boxing gloves, and Roman armor are incorporated into the garment design, and blended with boxing shorts, bras, and gladiators’ attire to create a coherent look and narrative. Images of Madame Grès’ draping and garment design inspire the garment’s lightness, and ancient Roman mosaics and modern photos of boxers were also used in the design process.
I explore themes of movement, vulnerability, and exposure throughout the garment design and construction. Aside from the leather compression bra which acts as protection in resemblance of Roman armor, the entire garment is made of breathable, light fabrics that permit the body to move, twist, and fight. However, providing the body with movement makes it more vulnerable and exposed, as sheer, voluminous fabrics can obstruct movement and do little to protect against injury. With the use of sheer cotton and organza fabric, the body is visible through the garments, placing the wearer’s body on display for all to see.
These themes will be implemented in design through observing and analyzing both the costumes and accessories for these sports, as the tools the fighter use to win become nearly as necessary to the sport as the clothing. Details of hand wraps, boxing gloves, and Roman armor are incorporated into the garment design, and blended with boxing shorts, bras, and gladiators’ attire to create a coherent look and narrative. Images of Madame Grès’ draping and garment design inspire the garment’s lightness, and ancient Roman mosaics and modern photos of boxers were also used in the design process.