Bare*

GRAND RAPIDS MI

Bare* started as a class branding project; inspired by the enchanting designs of Nensi Dojaka and the rise of fashionable loungewear, I developed Bare* as a sheer body basics brand. I use sheer fabrics as a tool to assert agency over our bare bodies, reminding everyone that we may uncover or cover however much of our bodies we want, on our own terms. Our bodies are not sexual objects – our bodies are natural artworks deserving of freedom, space, and love. Sensuality is for us to feel & show as we please – not for others to project onto us.

For this runway show, I carried my vision into a new way of exhibition – eclectic styling. I've always adored meshing various textures, silhouettes, colors, etc into collage-esque looks both on myself and clients, and I was excited to take this route to showcase Bare*s message. Wonderfully, Moss, a local midwest artist, allowed me to feature their crochet pieces in my looks. It was a joy to connect with Moss in this way, and I am elated our artistry could be so complimentary.

I am forever grateful for all of my beautiful, free, and talented models – each of them embodied this concept with complete grace & openness while staying true to themselves. I am so lucky to call them dear friends.

Sending peace & liberation to all of the adults who have ever dress-coded me & anyone else; sending kisses & applause to the girls who have always said FUCK A DRESS CODE.

Exhibited in New Beginnings fashion show by Nurture Our World; concept created by Alexis Norris; direction and styling by Alexis Norris; crochet designs by Moss; modeled by Alexis Norris, Jade Massel, CodiBrianne Gutierrez, Madelynn Weirda, Illiana Valdez-Ortega, Avery Bolhuis, Madeline Troast, Daevienne Kaiyarath, Annette Leyva-Nuñez, Kristen Taneil, Aylin Ayala; photography by Alister Kruizenga