REBEL AIR

Spring/summer 2018

Model: Meeke Verheul

Photographer: Kiki Kramer (me)

Location: Clarissenklooster, Eindhoven

Freedom, to me, is being able to express yourself without feeling anxiety. To truly be free, you need to let go of things that are comfortable for you. Essentially, you need to stop caring about what others think, and then you'll be free.

The mix between Japanese, grunge and Bohemian festival style shows a balance in structure, rebellion and freedom.

This was my inspiration for my kimono and dress. Everything is about the freedom to express. This is also the case in how you can wear the kimono, the separate pieces can be worn together or separate. Designed to wear on each side of the body. The waistband can be worn as a choker or not at all. It really is up to the wearer.

I also got inspiration out of tattoo art and patch from the grunge movement in the 90s. I implemented these in the vintage patches I sewed to the kimono sleeves. On the ends of the waistband, I implemented two koi fish as symbol for in Jang, the Japanese symbol for balance.

Because I didn't want the kimono to be traditional and more street style, I made it in a light coloured denim. In a way it almost feels like a denim jacket and this is what I wanted that you will just throw it over anything just like you would with your staple denim jacket. It is a statement piece, and you should wear it unapologetically.

The dress is more toned down. With a low back and string details I try to show a process, of someone just stepping it to not caring what others think but still feeling trapped in the stings of society.