HISS centers predominantly on the inventive viewpoints of Comme des Garçons and its designer, Rei Kawakubo. The Broken Bride collection by Comme des Garçons serves as a poignant metaphor within the project, embodying the fragmented experiences of the victims. Furthermore, the incorporation of influences from Christobel Balenciaga and Simone Rocha, characterized by their abstract silhouettes and A-shaped designs, plays a pivotal role in molding the ultimate ensemble. The project draws inspiration from the film “Hush: Girls Don’t Scream.” This poignant narrative follows the tragic journey of a 7-year-old girl enduring silent suffering after being sexually abused by her chauffeur. The film explores the lasting impact on her ability to communicate, leading to a life overshadowed by fear, affecting her marriage and compelling her to take drastic measures against another victim’s abuser. HISS is a dedicated project addressing child abuse, with a specific focus on its profound effects on girls, particularly concerning their future relationships and marital life. The alarming statistics underscore the urgency of the issue, revealing that 1 in 9 girls under the age of 18 experiences sexual abuse. Shockingly, 93% of reported child sexual abuse cases are known to the victim, with 34% involving family members. An additional disturbing statistic is that 88% of perpetrators are male. The culmination of these influences results in a symbolic dress representing the victim’s journey. The bridal gown reference, made of white cotton poplin and devoid of straps, features ruffles embodying the victims’ mixed emotions. Corset details on the ruffles signify the struggles post-tragedy, concealed by an invisible corset that restricts comfort but remains unseen. The dress’s asymmetry signifies the imbalances taken from the victims’ lives. Layered over an oversized shirt, it represents the loss of comfort experienced by victims. An oversized blazer, symbolizing the perpetrator’s influence, is chosen for its ambiguity regarding the protector’s gender. The blazer, supported with corset details, emphasizes the victim’s potential influence on the predator’s life and is crafted from dark blue denim with engraved stripes, highlighting secrecy. Completing the outfit is a Teddy Bear bag, representing the loss of childhood innocence post-attack. Crafted from the same fabric as the blazer, it serves as a poignant reminder of the childhood stolen by the perpetrator. In summary, the HISS project uses design as a medium to raise awareness about child abuse, shedding light on its pervasive impact on victims, especially in the context of their future relationships. The carefully curated elements in the final design aim to evoke empathy and understanding for survivors while challenging societal norms surrounding abuse.




























Updated 24.10.31