Contemporary armor: the modern warrior woman

Gordon, Reilly Contemporary armor: the modern warrior woman. 2020. Radford University,

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Abstract

This thesis examines the idea that fashion can be viewed as a tool for female agency as well as an expression of individuality and personal empowerment rather than reinforcing gender norms or oppressive patriarchal ideals. I reinforce this perspective using imagery I have created in watercolor paintings and wearable artworks that discuss these ideas. Within this thesis, I discuss how fashion plays a role in social judgement, how ‘feminine’ forms of art are judged differently than ‘masculine’ ones. I discuss the misconceptions that surround armor and fashion’s functions and trends. I reference contemporary fashion that draws upon historical armor, and discuss the metaphorical versions of armor that I explore in my body of work. I analyze my influences from the world of art and fashion.

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