Folded Fortune
Project informed by my fond childhood memory of fortune tellers. This one, however, made with the intent to mend people’s relationship to their clothes. Through linguistic prompts geared towards inward feelings rather than outward appearance.
Prompted feelings...Project informed by my fond childhood memory of fortune tellers. This one, however, made with the intent to mend people’s relationship to their clothes. Through linguistic prompts geared towards inward feelings rather than outward appearance.
From nostalgic to neutral.
From bold to bored.
Feelings and intensities unquestioned,
but instead owned and worn.
9 letters, so 9 moves
strong feeling, so a 4
which unfolded to...
‘an item that holds a special memory or meaning’
chosen garment: black top by MM6
After rummaging around and browsing the clothing racks for a while, she pulls out what seems a simple black top. The neckline and material qualities, however, are instantly reminiscent of Ulana’s dancing days. When sounding out what type of dance she used to practise, she elaborates on the tradition of Kalmyk dances, Kalmyk being a particular Russian republic. As her story was very telling, the dancing element organically became the lead for what was to follow of the outfit, both in terms of shapes as well as shades. All then finished off with some added sparkles as a nod to the performative nature of dance.
Demeulemeester leggings, knitted spats and duffle bag
by Aurembiaix and party heels by Margiela
Yunya Watanebe jeans and Mihara Yasuhiro heels
7 letters, so 7 moves
gentle feeling, so a 2
which unfolded to...
‘a texture that embodies comfort to you’
chosen garment: beige shirt
by Tim Van Steenbergen
It doesn’t take her all that long to figure this one out, as she quite decisively singles out this one blouse. On the hanger it might not seem all that much, however, the opposite is true once she puts it on. Only then the blouse truly comes to life. To her, comfort is not so much a matter of practicality as might well be the case for others. Rather, she envisions the sensation a certain garment will cause upon touching her skin and body at large. With her fingers lingering over the abundance of material, she instantly senses the lightweight fabric of this particular blouse settling down on her skin as if a soft haze. To complete the look, the rather delicate nature of the blouse is offset by a - perhaps by some considered rogue - pair of jeans.
4 letters, so 4 moves
slight feeling, so a 1
which unfolded to...
‘the colour you were least likely to choose’
chosen garment: coral shoulder accessory
by Ann Demeulemeester
After contemplating a powder pink pair of shorts, in the end Ulana settles on this bright coral bolero piece, also described as a shoulder accessory. When asked about the reasoning behind her choice - targeting this specific colour - she mentions how her mom would never wear this shade, saying it is too old or granny-like of a colour. Very intriguing, as it shows how one’s language can rub off on those around them, often without realising it themselves. So, hinted in her answer to the prompt ‘which colour are you least likely to choose’, to a certain degree her mom’s voice is also present. To make the colour stand out even more, the coral is paired with a dress in a popping shade of blue. A bold match to say the least yet one that somehow exceeded all expectations.
shoulder accessory, Dirk Van Saene embossed
dress and A.F. Vandevorst heels
Vandevorst sequin blazer and Dries Van Noten
lace-up boots
5 letters, so 5 moves
mild feeling, so a 3
which unfolded to...
‘a garment you’ve considered getting rid of’
chosen garment: white and red dress
by Annemie Verbeke
Perhaps the most challenging prompt to decide on. Nonetheless, she manages to elect a white and red patterned dress made out of a supple fabric. The main reason to her sense of doubt is the garment’s shape, which didn’t immediately take her fancy in the same way other garments did. However, having put it on, she discovers some pull strings at the side which allow for the dress to be adjusted according to one’s liking. The incentive for her initial doubt therefore in a sense side-lined. The somewhat revealing neckline (another unexpected asset) is then complemented by a sequin-detailed blazer in a similar colour palette and some brown lace-up boots, adding a bit of an edge.
activated and modelled by the lovely Ulana
shot in the stunning space of STOF in Antwerp
run by Karina and Maude
shot in the stunning space of STOF in Antwerp
run by Karina and Maude
April.2024