A modern-day Christian

Commissioned Pride 2025 look featuring the flowing silhouette of a choir robe made of dangling black chain. I created and fabricated the original design in under two weeks based on the prompt of evoking Jesus’ path of liberation in a modern queer context

20250622_205811.jpg
20250622_205709.jpg
20250622_205656.jpg
20250622_210211.jpg
20250622_210232.jpg
20250622_220333.jpg

The making of

  • Original design sketch based on the direction to evoke a spiritual liberation

  • The primary material for the dress was over 240 feet of lightweight plastic chain weighing nearly 10 pounds

  • First, a makeshift dress form was assembled from a towel stand, pillow, and old dress shirt

  • A stiff collar piece made of a metal coat hanger covered in recycled denim fabric serves as the main structural component

  • Pieces of chain were spaced out evenly and hung to determine proper length

  • Finished chains were labeled and hung to avoid mix ups in the final assembly

  • Links were attached to the collar piece using gourd-shaped safety pins to provide easy alignment adjustments if needed

  • Two lengths of black nylon webbing were stapled together with single chain links evenly spaced in between to provide the anchor for the chains on the shoulders and arms

  • Pliers were used to cut a gap in each link to fasten each length of chain

  • The two arm pieces attach to the collar piece via Velcro straps

  • The collar piece was reinforced with electrical tape to reduce bulkiness and secure the pin openings in place

  • A sleeve of old cotton fabric was sewn and wrapped around the collar to ensure comfort of the wearer in high heat

  • Adjustable straps of additional nylon webbing at the elbow and wrists secured the arm lengths in place. Chain links were placed individually around the chest and back to ensure an even drape.

Previous

My Pride 2025