Reimagining the Structure of Femininity

I am a creative thinker and maker with a unique approach to narrative design. My designs tell a story and encourage people to delve into the issues the story presents. I am fascinated by how objects contribute to political storytelling and social narratives of empowerment, innovation, and social consciousness. These themes are intricately woven into my work. I aim to create innovative, defiant designs that can stand the test of time and cause a shift in the luxury design scene.

I recently completed the MA Design course at Central Saint Martins, where I studied femininity in high-end furniture design. I exhibited the Cinch Chair (one object within a three-piece furniture collection), which explores themes related to “Reimagining the Structure of Femininity”.

I started this project by researching the history of women’s foundation garments, specifically in the 18th century. I examined the invention and evolution of foundation garments and the historical implications of the male gaze and societal prejudices in women’s clothing design.

The modern woman is a tapestry of various faces, bodies and histories. This project symbolises femininity’s multifaceted nature, which includes atypical expressions. By embracing all forms of gender expression, I investigated the intersection of gender norms, identity and materiality.

The chair’s frame is made from oak, a strong, hard and durable material. The frame shape is angular and linear, embodying masculine qualities, contrasted by soft, feminine lacing that evokes the corset, a once oppressive but now liberating symbol for women. My design creates a dichotomy and subversion through materiality and detailing. The black-stained oak panels are joined by mitre joints, compound angles, wood glue and lacing. Each of the 76 panels was precisely cut using a 5-axis CNC machine.

The next object is the “Bustle” desk, made of oak and again cut on a 5-axis CNC machine. It has four solid 10 x 10 cm legs and two 5 x 5 cm legs, with incisions for side panels. Inspired by the cage crinoline and bustle, the desk frame is reimagined from a thin circular form to a strong angular one. The legs and tabletop are stained black oak, and the side panels are spray-painted in colours informed by women’s foundation garments.

The last object is a sculptural light inspired by the female form, based on Rodin’s 1886 “The Metamorphosis of Ovid Statuette”. It depicts two embracing female figures, reimagined from soft and curvy to linear and angular. This design challenges the male-centric perspective of Renaissance art, portraying women as empowered subjects rather than passive objects, highlighting their agency, diversity and individuality.

My work lies within a spectrum of subversion, embracing angular architectural shapes and soft feminine motifs. I apply these to various media, interiors, surfaces, sculptural objects and bespoke furniture.

Project Images:
Title: R+D Corset Form Moodboard
Title: Corset & Chair Deconstruction Series
Title: Cinch Chair 1
Title: Cinch Chair 2
Title: Cinch Chair 3
Title: Cinch Chair 4
Title: Cinch Chair 5
Title: Cinch Chair 6
Title: Florence and Cinch Chair
Title: R+D Crinoline Form Moodboard
Title: Bustle Desk Visual
Title: Bustle Desk Visual With Girl
Title: Femme Light Process Page
Title: Femme Woman Sculptural Light Visual
Video: https://www.instagram.com/p/C327VDQouPf/ | https://www.instagram.com/p/C8R5FlYo481/ | https://www.instagram.com/p/C8ZjIHao_40/ | https://www.instagram.com/p/C8PEfZTolYK/ | https://www.instagram.com/p/C8o7YG0o27H/ | https://www.instagram.com/p/C9IF0byomUu/ | https://www.instagram.com/p/C8W9V7soMwC/ | https://www.instagram.com/p/C9KdSmhI8iV/
Creators: Technical Consultant: Ben Laurie, Technical Support: Emma Mack, Making Assistants: Joanne Evers and Claudi Panaite
Company: Linia Florén Ltd