Amani Ahmed - BA (Hons) Fashion Design and Technology (Womenswear)
False Pretence Livin'
I often refer to myself as an avant-garde enthusiast as I’m drawn to complex, conceptual and contemporary fashion, which is reflected in my design practice. I find joy in pushing boundaries with creative pattern cutting, creating ambitious shapes and silhouettes. Avant-garde fashion is about embracing the unconventional and allowing yourself to be experimental without restrictions.
My graduate collection ‘False Pretence Livin’ is a reimagined 1980’s era inspired by juxtaposing the feeling of structure and chaos. Structure is embodied through power dressing, taking it one step further by making it playful, whilst remaining rooted in avant-garde design. The power suit was a symbol of strength, resilience and change for women in the 80’s; it’s symbolism and authoritative nature still lives on. To wear a suit is to display order and structure, whilst masking your true self, whatever that may be.
But what happens when you feel both structured and chaotic simultaneously? It’s called false pretence livin’.
Chaos stems from the emotions and damage that follows imposter syndrome, a condition that fuels off self-doubt, sabotaging your every move. Internal chaos is realised through bold colour and fabric choices, exaggerated silhouettes, and fabric manipulation in different forms. The world isn’t always as orderly, and chaos isn’t as visible as you may think it is.
My final major project reflects an organised chaos, which is how I feel in this very moment in time.
