m to challenge Eurocentric ideals of good taste and expand on who is seen and valued in contemporary fashion.
By amplifying underrepresented voices in fashion, I wish to highlight and celebrate alternative perspectives and show that good taste is closely tied with cultural perspectives and not universal truths.
The characters attending the party—like my grandmother and many of her friends—have worked as market sellers throughout their lives. Their experiences at the market shape not only their identities but also their aesthetics, which influences the visual language of theproject. The market is dominant in the character development and visual expression of the project due to its cultural relevance and sensory richness.
In my visual research, I was drawn to the abundance and diversity of bags—objects thatare both deeply practical and highly expressive. The market’s eclectic atmosphere—with its bold colors, clashing textures, and visual noise—served as a key influence, reflecting a world where there’s beauty in chaos.
In parallel, I explored banquet halls, the settings of these birthday celebrations. These spaces, saturated with glossy surfaces, vibrant decorations, and ornamental layering, echo
the same spirit as the market—spaces of performance, emotion, and togetherness. People sing, toast, play games, and perform, creating a collective celebration of identity. Together, these environments form the foundation of my project’s narrative and visual world—an ode to overlooked expressions of taste, femininity, and joy.