Going into battle can mean many things—taking an exam, attending an interview, or simply stepping out into the world as your authentic self. This piece symbolizes the strength each person carries as they "prepare for their own battle" every day. Clothing, makeup, and jewelry all hold specific places in society, but they are more than mere adornments. They are supports and protections we wear to feel empowered enough to face the day ahead.
In this piece, I use steel chain and a marble center stone to express strength. Though the design is inherently exposing, it is not as fragile as one might assume at first glance. The copper shoulder lapels were intentionally left unpolished to create a worn, textured look, reflecting the repetition and endurance required to navigate life’s mundane struggles. The lapels balance on the edges of the shoulders, symbolizing the way we must balance the weight that rests upon them.
This is just one example of a warrior's garb. Every person rises each morning, dressed in their own armor as they head out to face the day ahead.
