Hands off the Hyacinth

This piece is part of my 2025 Senior Portfolio Collection, Le Germe de la Résistance. Inspired by flora, the collection explores themes of resistance and rebellion, encouraging viewers to reflect on what they resist—and why. Drawing from historical acts of resistance and elements of counterculture, I used these influences to inform both the design details and silhouettes.

This look represents the hyacinth, with a particular focus on the flower’s association with jealousy. It explores the human tendency to covet what others have, highlighting the internal classism often imposed within the lower classes. Even those with marginally more are conditioned to flaunt their advantages, perpetuating division rather than solidarity.

The ensemble comprises three pieces: the main dress, the petticoat, and the “hands” stole.

The main dress is made from upcycled sateen—chosen for its luxurious appearance despite being inexpensive. It features a flared A-line skirt, hand-gathered capped bell sleeves, and an invisible zipper closure at the back. The most costly element is the delicate silk ribbon embellishments along the hem, emphasizing the theme of perceived superiority based on even the smallest material advantage.

The petticoat, inspired by late 18th-century peasant silhouettes, has a pencil-like shape and a double-layered, gathered crinoline hem. Meant to symbolize the reality beneath the illusion of grandeur, it is deliberately minimal. Satin ribbon side ties serve as the garment’s closure, further referencing historic underpinnings.

The stole takes the form of oversized hands, constructed from satin stuffed with polyfill and adorned with silk ribbon embroidery in floral patterns, lacing, and rings. This piece draws inspiration from the extravagant fashions of 18th-century French aristocracy, who wore excessive ornamentation to signal status. In contrast to the relative simplicity of the dress and petticoat, the stole reflects the hyacinth’s need to showcase all her “wealth” in any way she can—even if that wealth is condensed into a single, showy garment.