Gabrielle Stiles

Flatland

Flatland strives to capture an idealized state of transition. Referencing the passage between complacency and vulnerability, the collection draws on feelings of both nostalgia and anticipation. At once whimsical and utilitarian, bold and understated, Flatland is an expression of paradox.

The concept for my collection grew from childhood memories. As an eight-year old developing self-awareness, I often looked to my teenaged sister for guidance and inspiration. I longed to be older and cooler, but felt unprepared to exchange the simplicity of youth for the complexities and uncertainty of adolescence.

Throughout the collection, bold contrasts in weight, texture, and proportion express this sense of paradox; over-sized closures and rugged materials like denim and vinyl represent playfulness and youth, while refined silhouettes and fabrics like silk and velvet convey a more mature sense of restraint.

Materials

Materials include leather, vinyl, silk, velvet, and denim.