Layers of Me

This design explores the impact of social media on identity and self-presentation through fashion. Social platforms like Instagram and Snapchat encourage users to manage impressions by curating content, often leading to anxiety and the creation of false or exaggerated personas. Drawing from identity theory and aesthetic principles, the garment symbolizes the contrast between the private self and the social media "front-stage" self. The red, tiered skirt features various textures and fluted layers to represent the complexity and variety of online personas. In contrast, the black, contoured top signifies the unseen, internal self—plain, muted, and private. Elements like gathers and layers illustrate the constant need for validation and the hierarchy present in digital spaces, tied to cultural capital and body ideals frequently promoted online.

The design process began with theoretical readings, followed by sketching and draping techniques to execute the look. The skirt’s unique construction, especially the fluted "U"-shaped layers framed by a flange, emphasizes curves and the hourglass silhouette. This garment creatively visualizes how identity is shaped and displayed online, offering a fresh contribution to the intersection of fashion design, psychology, and digital culture. It effectively communicates how people tailor their image to fit social expectations in the virtual world.