Rebel
Story
What does it mean to rebel while playing by the rules?
Inspired by her time at catholic school, Rebel explores the ability to find a creative voice within structures that inherently restrict. Playing off of elements associated with catholic modesty such as the long skirt and shoulder scarf S.R. Shepard turns the notion of a conservative dress on its head with bright offbeat colors, a suggestive zipper, a fitted silhouette, and sheer elements. Blending RTW fashion with sculpture, Rebel utilizes the body as a site for narrative to take place.
"While I was in Catholic School I distinctly remember feeling as though I had lost my creative outlet. I hated that anything outside an antiquated idea of modesty was considered sexual and inappropriate. I was constantly looking for ways to push the boundary while playing by the rules. Looking back, the experience helped me find my own voice within a controlled system, which is much more akin to how the real world worked anyways"
Modified Style Portland
Modified Style is an annual benefit fashion show held in Portland Oregon. Contestants are given seven weeks and a bag of three donated fabrics to create an original look. Garments are auctioned off at the end of the show and all proceeds go to local charities. A panel of local designers judge the contestants on creativity, construction, and execution. In 2014 Rebel won first place.