As a Muslim and an environmentalist, I seek to push the boundaries of conventional fashion, challenging its effects on our culture/society and the environment.
Artist Statement:
Asiya Youngmark’s garment was inspired by second-hand textile dumps in developing nations. These dumps are full of unwanted, second-hand clothing from countries such as the United States. Through her design, she explored the concept of biodegradable clothing. Although this solution would not solve the second-hand textile dumping, it could give clothing a place to go rather than hitting a dead end in the clothing production and use cycle. If clothes were biodegradable, they could return to the earth and replenish natural resources.
Most of the materials used to construct Asiya’s garment are biodegradable. The garment is made of dried corn husks. The bodice is formed from layered corn husks while the skirt is tiered. The skirt gradiates from the natural corn husk color to a dark brown to signify decomposition. Coffee grounds and moss are placed at the bottom of the garment to resemble dirt and plant growth.