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Arianna Stapley

Kingston School of Art

Fashion Design BFA

Womenswear, Embroidery, Haute Couture

My name is Arianna Stapley and I am a BA Fashion Design graduate from Kingston School of Art. I recently completed my final collection entitled "HOUSEKEEPING" which was inspired by the iconic 1979 film "Alien" and explored themes of gestation, birth and the suffocating societal pressures faced by femme presenting people and/or those who menstruate to perform domesticity and motherhood. Artistic expression has always been a part of my identity and the perfect outlet for my creativity and personal views. Growing up in Bermuda, I was heavily influenced by the local culture as well as my heritage in Scotland. Studying fashion design for the last 4 years has helped me to grow and examine my own identity and explore societal issues in a personally and creatively fulfilling way. In my work I enjoy constantly exploring new skills including leather wet forming, hand knitting, hand embellishment, print design, jewellery making, accessory design and working with experimental textiles.

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The Giger Coat

Category: Apparel

Competitions: UK, International

Inspired by the iconic film "Alien" (1979) and the life of eccentric brothel owner Cynthia Payne, “HOUSEKEEPING” as a collection, explores themes of gestation, birth and the suffocating societal pressures faced by femme presenting people and/or those who menstruate to perform domesticity and motherhood. The Giger Coat was inspired by dominatrix “wipe-clean” outerwear, H.R. Giger’s bio-mechanical fertility artwork and his set design for Alien (1979). The oversized, masculine cut and fabrication of the coat layered over delicate the pleated chiffon undergarments represents the overbearing masculine presence in female reproductive rights while hand-embellished “leaking” pearl pendants symbolise the irrepressible feminine resistance. The Giger Coat was hand made utilising a combination of techniques and hand embellished with pendants made from up-cycled pearl necklaces. Due to budgetary constraints for my final collection, the final piece was made from dead stock faux leather as I was unable to afford real leather however the piece was designed to showcase the beauty and versatility of real leather. The design and creation of this piece were very personal to me and allowed me to explore new techniques and expand my skillset. I hope this piece and the overarching theme of my collection is able to provoke discussions and encourage everyone who sees it to continue the fight for reproductive rights for all. Reproductive rights are the cornerstone of autonomy, dignity, and equality, affirming every individual's right to make decisions about their own bodies, lives, and futures.

In association with Arts Thread

Working with our partners at Arts Thread to develop lifelong learning and career opportunities for students of fashion and design. Our partnership provides the opportunity to compete on a world stage, participate in industry led workshops, set up an outstanding portfolio and gain access to the resources that will kickstart careers in fashion and design.