The Giger Coat

Category: Apparel

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.