About Me
Hi, I'm Alex, a Fashion Design graduate from De Montfort University
Alexandra Oakley is Womenswear designer who designs to challenge classic silhouettes of womenswear against traditional menswear tailoring. Her careful consideration of materials and desire to challenge fabrications combine to create garments that explore innovation within silhouette as well as fabrication.
Throughout my time studying fashion design, I have always had an affinity for exploring how silhouettes could be subverted between genders, primarily challenging classic tailored menswear silhouettes for womenswear. I also love to experiment with the fabrications I use and how this can be challenged alongside the silhouettes of my collections. It was through this desire for innovation that I decided to explore using of hair extensions within both the design and construction process and challenging the material to become an integral part of the fabrication.
INSPIRATION
My inspiration started with exploring how hair extensions could become a fabrication.
Drawing inspiration from the literary quotation “Hell hath no fury, like a woman scorned…”, by William Congreve in 1697. I began to consider different interpretations of the quotations and nuances in which it could represent how men and women are perceived within society today. The collection aims to challenge the complex relationships, gender stereotypes and power play which unfolds daily between men and women in society.
I aimed to subvert narratives around femininity and masculinity using hair extensions and in particular different shades of grey hair. When researching into connotations of femininity, I began to explore the perception of hair and how it is often judged as being intangible to the feminine and the youthful woman. Primarily the pressures on women to maintain youth and beauty for the male gaze. Therefore, my collection confronts and challenges preconceptions of age and beauty.
MY WORK
PORTFOLIOS
DETAIL
The fabrication of the collection and strength of female poses were a photography focus
Not only capturing the delicate nature of the hair used to create the garments, I wanted the collection photoshoot to recognise the elegance and power of the models within the collection. Ultimately acting as a testament to the beauty and strength of women within society overall. The inclusion of red in a second series of photographs within the shoot, referenced a more literal interpretation of the “Hell hath no fury, like a woman scorned…” quotation, with the red acting as an interpretation of ‘female rage’ denoted within the quote. Nevertheless the collection garments still act as a base for contrast and ultimate reinterpretation of the quotation overall.
"I like the idea of men's tailoring on girls. It's very strong and sexy in a non-overt way." Thom Browne
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