Protective Mechanism Under Pressure
Category: Apparel
Competitions: Taiwan Region
This design explores the body’s protective mechanisms under prolonged pressure, in which defense gradually transforms into oppression. The concept is influenced by personal experiences of physical sensitivity and internal imbalance. Inspired by autonomic imbalance, the design reflects a state in which excessive protection heightens sensitivity and discomfort. Layered structures and skin-like leather construct a second skin, emphasizing how overprotection becomes a source of tension rather than relief. Through asymmetric compression and directional pulling, the silhouette appears distorted, as if shaped by internal forces. The extended outer sleeves represent an overextended defense system — protection that expands beyond necessity — while an inner, functional sleeve remains beneath, suggesting a retained but constrained state of normalcy. Adjustable structures further imply a fragile sense of control within an unstable condition. Responding to contemporary conditions of mental and physical stress, the design is conceived as a reactive interface rather than a static form of protection. Adjustable elements and durable material choices support adaptability and extended use, while the design also suggests potential translation into niche or conceptual fashion contexts. Rather than shielding the body, the design reveals a vulnerable state, where protection becomes pressure, and stability collapses into imbalance.
