Female Empowerment

Isabella Burton is a third-year NUA fashion student finishing her final project, her concept is all things women empowerment. Her collection is made up of four outfits, all portraying different technical representations of female power. Issy explains how she was able to visually represent strength through her clothing, using 80s/early 90s references “I think a top-heavy silhouette with a cinched waist is the epitome of power and femininity to me” she went on to explain how important it is to think about the use of colour “I love adding pops of bright colours as a nod to the 80’s wacky prints”. The denim, fur and leathers were a direct reflection of the 90s, for example, the skirt was made from recyclable denim, with decorative features like eyelet details and oversized pins. Equality is also presented through her adjustable elements, she wanted to make a clear statement that you do not have to be one size to be a badass woman, you just need to own who you are. “I wanted to create collections that stock a wide range of sizes, allowing all consumers to feel valued and comfortable wearing my clothing” Adjustable accessories in combination with denim, which is known for its little stretch, helped Issy deliver this idea.

 As for the conceptual side of the collection, Issy has had the pleasure of being surrounded by strong influential women through her upbringing. “Being a self-sufficient and educated woman has always been installed in me. I have been interested in female issues since I was young and have been saddened by the differences between men and women”. Being able to experience this for herself has allowed her to create more freely, using her intuition and memories to address such an important topic. 

 Designers have also been a huge source of influence for Issy “I have taken influence from the late designer Vivienne Westwood. Her rebellious fashion choices, use of protesting and awareness has inspired me” Westwood was the representation of empowerment in the 1980s, known for bringing modern punk and new wave into mainstream fashion. Catherine Hamnett was also influential to the collection with her very popular protest t-shirts, Issy explained how she always loved “slogans such as ‘choose love’ and ‘vote’” as they are well known and will always remain significant.

Moving forward this collection will aim to continuously inspire women to feel empowered, regardless of their size and body image. Issy’s biggest aim is to carry on doing what she loves and sharing her opinions regardless of the backlash that may follow “I want to make clothing for the everyday women, that is what excites me”.  Fashion should be used as a fun form of self-expression allowing all men and women to feel confident in their skin and although body positivity comes from within, fashion is a creative outlet to express it. Designers like Issy are paving the way for many girls to aspire to and with these realistic morals being set there is hope that positive outcomes will follow.