Kent State University; USA

Isabella Diorio

F.E.T. (FEMALE ENGAGEMENT TEAM)

The history of women in the United States armed forces has been difficult and today female veterans are the fastest growing segment of the country’s homeless population. Isabella has designed her collection as a tribute to these women. Using textiles from second-hand military garments and other sustainably sourced materials, she has shown the feminine side of a male dominant field. Using deconstructed uniforms, print-making, laser cutting and appliquéing, she created long gowns reminiscent of officer’s uniforms with bands encasing the bodice like that of a parachute with camouflage manipulated to express shape instead of disguising it. Isbella’s ‘F.E.T. (Female Engagement Team)’ collection celebrates female freedom.