NEEDLE'S EYE- fashion beyond shape

Needle's Eye is a story describing fashion woes faced by women all over the world; expected to follow societal norms to conform to a certain body type, shape and structure, in order to be considered beautiful or fashionable.

Fashion designers in design school are taught to draw the ‘perfect figure,’ that looks slim and tall. They design for models who rule the ramp walks, typically 6 footers, with as little body mass as possible.

These models have to maintain their bodies to perfect measurements, as stated by agencies that hire them. Any other person DOES NOT FIT IN! Hoardings that advertise big designer or retail clothing brands or fashion accessories show only these stick thin models, generally with a fair complexion and long straight hair.
Fashion cannot and must not be dictated by the natural body type that one is born with. Fashion essentially is the art of dressing aesthetically, taking into consideration one’s unique personality and more importantly body structure. Different lines and silhouettes suit different body types.
In different parts of the world and within numerous cultures, there are different body types that are considered ‘fashionable.’ Through the ages the fashion rules have changed and been dictated by the ‘fashionable few.’ A few examples would be the hour glass 36-26-36, size zero, the supermodel figure, etc.

Different cultures have different perceptions of perfect. Nobody is and can ever be perfect. Nobody can and ever will be exactly the same as the other. Each and every person has a unique physical appearance and mental capacity.
Taking all of the above into account, how can fashion be portrayed only on a certain body type? This creates an immense amount of pressure on women to adhere to ‘fashion rules.’ Day in and out we hear women complain that they are not – thin enough, tall enough, round enough. Many women are known to go into depression, becoming victims of anorexia, following rigorous methods of dieting or unnatural procedures like plastic surgery and popping pills.

Clothing and fashion is required by everybody, regardless of shape, size or colour. It is a commodity that we need and use in our everyday lives. Clothing is what is closest to our skin. Every single person should feel like they are fashionable and that clothing is designed for them.

Fashion has always looked through the needle’s eye figuratively, claiming just a handful to belong to fashion. On the other hand, a needle is an instrument that is required to make all garments. It is something that cannot really be replaced in the clothing industry.

Through this project titled “Needle’s Eye,” we wish to portray fashion that looks beyond shape. We hope to instill in people, worldwide, a positive attitude about body types and an acceptance of everybody, regardless. Fashion should belong to every person!