Memories We Made is influenced by my yearbook cover design. This piece represents my personal emergence from the pandemic and is emblematic of the emotional and physical metamorphosis that I experienced during lockdown. In quarantine, I was subjected to isolation, peaceful seclusion, and new practices (such as online school). Collectively, all of these habits have constructed my new self-image and have contributed to my newly-gained confidence. My dress purposefully towers at over 6.5 feet in height to represent physical power, grandeur, and unapologetic presence. The crown and corset centerpiece also contribute to the splendor emotions that I feel. I purposefully fabricated my garment with tulle in order to create the illusion of depth and to accomplish different levels of transparency. I printed my yearbook cover “Zoom” panels on cardstock paper and sewed them to an individual beige fabric frame. Some of the panels are lost in the depth of the tulle or are at the forefront of the dress- a symbolic effect which communicates my emotional and physical emergence out of the pandemic. I used cobalt blue and bright orange feathers to convey the idea of taking flight and evolving into a more confident figure. The feather detailing is also inspired by glamorous Haute Couture fashion and by the MET Gala.

The large 8x8 ft red frame represents a massive Zoom panel. As the pandemic begins to dwindle, I am beginning to emerge from my isolated, introverted bubble. I am walking into a post-pandemic world with newly equipped confidence and conviction.