‘QUEEN OF KINGS’

SHIRT PROJECT
SPRING 2023This project reimagines the fencing jacket. I want to explore this garment through the lens of Julie d’Aubingny who was a renowned fencer in her time, and was also known as a queer figure in the 17th century. She was known to cross dress, only being taken seriously as a man in duels. I want to create a garment inspired by what I think she would wear without the confines of her time period.
Through my project, I’m focusing my research on queer fashion and the act of cross dressing and drag practices.  The oppressive dichotomy of adherence to masculinity was and still is used to inhibit expression as well as equal opportunity. Modernly, drag can be a liberty to perform without the confines of social stigma within the queer community. The contrast of femininity and masculinity in this collection represents Julie’s exploration of gender performance and expression during her lifetime. I chose to juxtapose the more romantic details with the rigid tailoring by the fastenings and the sleeves that can fold in and hide the flouncy details as a representation of fluidity in gender expression.