Dennis Lawless
he/him
In the Closet
‘In the Closet’ delves into the pleasures and the pains of self-discovery and identity, drawing inspiration from childhood experiences with clothing. With a playful twist, each piece is infused with anecdotes, making the garment a vessel for cherished memories. This artisanal collection invites the wearer to engage in a sartorial experience, blurring the lines between masculinity and femininity whilst celebrating the art of trying on clothes as a means of self-expression.
Embracing the idea of trying on someone else’s clothes, this collection will enable wearers to playfully experiment with garments that transcend traditional norms. Reflecting on the sanctuary of home, this was a place where I could, as a child, craft the world I wanted away from the scrutiny of society.
From playing with dolls to donning my mother’s garments, each piece in this collection is inspired by the essence of imaginative self-expression, celebrating a time when I was the designer of my fantastical world. This emotionally resonant collection is an invitation for real people to embrace their true selves, and to playfully explore the spectrum of identities and expressions through the transformative power of clothing.
Knitted Striped Dolls, navy blue and white cotton striped knitted top with padded puff sleeves, adorned with a decorative yellow cotton crochet trim, and matching hat
The Transformable Tailored Jacket Dress is a versatile and innovative ensemble that effortlessly transitions from a conventional jacket to a chic dress, embodying the fluidity of modern fashion. Made from a luxurious charcoal herringbone wool and cotton blend, this piece is designed to be moved and styled around the body. The back features a sumptuous cascade of tulle, ranging from stiff black to soft white cotton, creating a captivating layered effect. Paired with a traditional white cotton button-down shirt and hand-knitted mismatched leather loafers, this look blends classic tailoring with avant-garde flair, perfect for the fashion-forward individual.
The Toilet Roll Dress is a nostalgic and whimsical creation, inspired by childhood memories of playing dress-up and crafting dolls from toilet roll holders. This gown is meticulously crafted from knitted white cotton lace, serving as the foundational layer. Decorative details, including hand-crochet and fine knitted stripes, emulate the texture and appearance of toilet roll. The dress features a unique stiffener called grilon, creating the illusion of toilet paper spinning off the roll. Completing the look is a tulle curtain tape headpiece, adding a touch of ethereal elegance to this imaginative and sentimental ensemble.
The Crinoline Baby Face Top is a whimsical tribute to childhood dolls. This look features an oversized, flared top made from stiff white crinoline, with all edges neatly bound in white cotton. The top is adorned with a mix of hand-painted doll faces on canvas and transfer-printed faces on white paper nylon, appliquéd for a textured, multi-dimensional effect. The ensemble is completed with mismatched pink and black hand-knitted leather boots, adding a quirky and personalised touch to this celebration of childhood memories and creativity.