Absolute ambivalence

Abstract

This thesis investigates the overlap of contradictive statuses in life and uses this idea as inspiration for a fashion collection. It discovers and explores the ambivalent statuses and the beauty found in it. The research was inspired by Korean elderly women’s cheery and overly decorative garments that stem from the history of Korean War and the colonial era and by the military garments used in the Korean War. These represent a contradiction and by bringing them together, the study highlights how a fashion designer can use ambivalent and contradicting elements to produce a third meaning, not restricted to the original meanings. Hence, this study interprets ambivalence as a new absolute status by merging contrastive elements.

The fashion collection builds on studying and merging eccentric florals and military uniforms. De-contextualizing military garments through the use of flowers has often been employed in political movements and subcultures. Taking the strictly regulated military garment out of its context and bringing it to another, has an effective effect in delivering rebellious messages and even militant spirit.

The merging of two contrastive elements, the army uniforms and the florals aims to create an appealing balance and ‘demilitarize’ the military uniform. Army uniform meant strict order and ration whereas the flower-printed garments of Korean women were eccentric and decorative. Breaking the cliché of each opposites created an intriguing fresh look. It was not only visual overlay but also juxtaposition of strong combatant spirit and vulnerability and warmth. The thesis argues that such practice of overlaying contrastive elements is effective in breaking the habits of perception and prejudice.