Inspired by The Trilogy, a three-part poem detailing my experience navigating mental health challenges and treatment, I created a four-piece look inspired by the line “trauma split my personality into many, made poly out of my body like mitosis” for the Karma Comes Before: The Fear Free Off-Broadway Showcase 2024. The goal of the showcase, inspired by Maya Angelou’s “Life Doesn’t Frighten Me” and Jean-Michel Basquiat, was to celebrate a life free of fear and full of faith. Each layer represents a part of myself –– from soft and vulnerable to tactical and analytical. Some parts (pieces) I literally shed throughout the evening to create dimensionality between the two shows.

The top, “Jersey Jersey Jersey,” representing my roots and hometown, is a deconstructed Brooklyn Nets Jersey with black and white polka dot Jersey fabric, which I used to create my first-ever design for myself.

The 3-layer multi-textured bottoms representing duality are: patchwork denim basque using denim scraps with an A-symmetrical waistband and button fly, waterproof bubble hem skirt, and red sheer couture skirt with slit.

Watch my performance on YouTube.