Since draped textiles appeared over the sculpted, the female body in the Classical Greek period, the potential for the exploitative gaze has been present. During the research process, it came across the question of how these issues about gender equality were in the past. After some studies I came across the author Mary Beard, who was one of the authors who inspired much of the next research. As mentioned at the beginning of the project, in ancient Greece women were not allowed to speak without the approval of their husbands or family representative. Thus, this work aims to use the strength of images in using the resistance force exhaled by these figures. 

Transform something that in the past was oppressed to a form of expression. Taking out the woman of the place only as an object, ornament, static for society at the time, and introducing some todays culture, seeking to create an image of power and prominence. 

In addition, to make a counterpoint to our current society, Japanese-style Shibari bandage knot strings were also used. The Shibari consists of one person being tied by the other giving a dominated and dominating position.

According to Midori, the practice of Shibari is considered a form of BDSM, however different from the common forms of bondage, Shibari takes a lot into consideration the aesthetics of the knots and the final result. In the BDSM ideology, the partner’s consent is always reinforced and is in constant communication with him/her. Even though the whole process is consensual, the strings when inserted visually in certain contexts become a symbol of oppression. Thus, the ropes and moorings used for the submission of the partner was use to symbolise 

oppression, the challenges that are still a constant struggle for the feminist movement. The idea to use classical Greek robes symbolising ideals in feminine beauty – imposed by males. 

Then to use string or rope to constrict the body over the robes signifying the further oppression of the female is a clear statement of intent and uses an existing instrument of, usually male control, using the sexual bondage as a medium.
The research process for the elaboration of Shibari knots started by watching illustrative videos to understand the construction in the body. During that time, several tests were carried out to learn this technique, and a good result was achieved. 

After research done to better understand Shibari, clothing that resembled the construction of clothing worn by Greek women was focused on. The white colour was used as a pattern, mainly to symbolise the feminine purity imposed by society. 

Model: Federica Partipilo

Make-up and Hair Stylist: Rafaela Roncete 

Fashion Stylist & Creative director: Rafaela Roncete 

Photographer: Gurpreet Kaur