Impractical reality.

Fashion has been used as a symbol of social hierarchy and a means of self-expression for centuries. Since this artform joined forces with photography, it has created a new, abstract language for both mediums. The goal of this body of work is to shed light on the ontological state of fashion photography; an artform targeted to the public for visual and physical consumption, yet inaccessible to the majority. For it is not reality. When fashion photography started, it sped up the obtainability of clothing by bridging a gap between social classes while creating a new one, dividing us further as fashion brands took off. By re-creating each decade’s trends from the 1950s to today and using myself as a model, I am asking my viewers what is real?  

When we see a human presence in a photo, we preserve it as reality—something we can all achieve. What many do not see is the hours of hair and makeup, editing, lighting, and dieting that all go into the model. When placed in relation to fashion, the body is absorbed and becomes a synthetic product of the garment. Who they truly are does not matter. Fashion photography is selling a dream of dissatisfaction. If we had this or that or looked a certain way, we would be more like our ideal selves.