Freak Kouture
Oliver Lawson-Smith
Castleblayney
YouthReach
monaghan county council
Oliver was inspired by apocalyptic films, dystopian fashion designers and styles of androgynous clothes that challenge gender norms in today’s society. The items he used to create his many layered and textured outfit were sourced from charity shops, jumble sales, donations from friends and family, some of them were even salvaged from local bushes where they had been discarded.
-
Oliver created the shawl from an old scarf adding a button and a fabric loop to close it. His sleeveless top was restyled from a long sleeve top.
Oliver created his two tone jeans by deconstructing and reconstructing two pairs of jeans donated to him by his sister, to create a wider leg. The design includes godet alterations at the waistband and a moss like embroidered design feature using french knots, weaving patterns and bullion stitches. Oliver dyed the jeans using old coffee to take the brightness out of the blue jeans.
The corset style belt is made from a repurposed hand bag and straps harvested from bags. Oliver sprayed it black and left it outside, allowing the elements to rust the rivets and crack the spray paint adding to the textured look of his outfit.
The skirt was made from an old bed sheet, with layers of ruffles and two channel details which allow it to be worn in different ways, it also has an underskirt made from tulle harvested from a friend’s dress.
The layered miniskirt is a separate piece and is made from scrap fur, a lace cardigan and leftover fabric from the scarf used to create the shawl.
