SOAKED IN RED
Category: Apparel
Competitions: Africa
Project Brief Soaked in Red is a conceptual fashion project that explores the lived experience and societal stigma of hyperhidrosis a medical condition characterized by excessive sweating. Through this design, the project challenges traditional fashion narratives by using materials, forms, and cultural references that embody both the internal and external realities of those affected. Utilizing layered leather garments in crimson and maroon tones, the design reclaims the discomfort and invisibility associated with hyperhidrosis. The work fuses global aesthetics with emotional storytelling to provoke reflection, recognition, and dignity for those living with this condition. Design Problem Statement Hyperhidrosis is more than a physical condition; it is a deeply stigmatized experience that affects self-image, emotional health, and social interaction. In the context of fashion an industry that thrives on controlled perfection and "dry polish" the presence of sweat is not only unwelcome but often actively excluded from visibility. This design seeks to confront that discomfort by making it central to the aesthetic. Rather than disguising the condition, Soaked in Red leans into its physicality using layering, heaviness, and restricted breathability to symbolize the constant negotiation between concealment and exposure. The result is a garment that both mourns and empowers, illustrating the hidden emotional weight of this overlooked struggle.
