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Identity Under Authority

Project type

Graduate Thesis Project

Date

May 2024

Location

Chicago, IL

Finding a way to combine my interest in fashion and human-centered design posed an interesting challenge when choosing my thesis topic. The topic of uniforms came up one day, and to my surprise, nearly everyone in the conversation had something to say about a uniform. I want this project to draw people in with its form, keep them engaged by decoding each uniform’s multifaceted story, and inspire connection through an urge to share their own experience or keep it hidden, which can be equally interesting.

While uniforms are commonly associated with strict conformity, they offer a compelling canvas for exploring the ways in which individual expression can thrive within constraints. This project explores the intersection of identity, human connectedness, and self-expression through the lens of graphic design and dress. It questions whether uniforms can be more than just garments of conformity, but also act as catalysts for belonging and self-expression.

One of the insights generated from my research was the tension that existed between individuality and belonging. How can we both feel like we belong and unapologetically express our individuality? I imagined this dichotomy on two axes, one being individuality vs. conformity, and the other being uniformity vs. unity. How can uniforms, or clothing, or design exist in the quadrant that allows both a sense of self and a sense of belonging, a place where we feel safe and unafraid to bare who we are at our core?

What I learned from this research is that although uniforms feel ubiquitous, everyone that has worn one before walks away with a unique perspective. There are stereotypes or generalizations we might make about certain uniforms because they feel obvious and uncontested. It’s not until you ask more questions that the intent of a uniform no longer matches the impact for the wearer of those garments. Uniforms are inherently political, and there are many cultural and social connotations attached to them. How might we take what we know about these garments of conformity and humanize the individuals that wear them?

Identity Under Authority aims to challenge preconceived notions about uniforms, urging viewers to see beyond the surface of the uniform and recognize the unique narratives that exist with each user. By highlighting the stories of uniform wearers, this project seeks to build empathy and connection, validating the experiences that live in the contradicting realm of uniformity.

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