"THE GIRL IN THE SUIT" 

Process Presentation PDF Link

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Press Release:
The overarching idea for this piece simply started out as a question. How could I make one of the most poignant elements of the men's suit, which was a button-up shirt, and everything that it signifies, power, respect, opulence, ultimate class, and give these same dominant ideas to a woman’s garment? The goal was never to create a women's suit; rather, it was to take classic elements of the men's suit, such as button-up shirts and tailoring, and give women a new silhouette and importance in their version of workwear. Throughout the design process, I experimented largely with ways that I could elevate the men’s button-up shirt for a woman. I went through questions like: How could I change the cut of the classic button-up shirt and give it a new silhouette for women, still ensuring that it felt just as timeless as the men's? Or, how could I take these ideas that exist mainly in men's classic suits, like tailoring, and interlace that through the piece for women so that it still gives women that edge and dominant appeal? I went through multiple drapes, illustrations, and seam tests to ensure that I ended up with what felt ultimately refreshing for the women's palette in terms of workwear. The design that I ended on felt exactly in alignment with the idea that I started out with, and that's simply how I could empower the women through the lens of the men’s button-up shirt.

 

The final design features a uniquely draped asymmetrical white button-up shirt dress with a side slit running down the right leg. I styled my muse in glasses, stockings, and black heels to keep that classic/timeless workwear aesthetic attached to my look. I even decided to finish off the look with a couple of brooches, specifically bee brooches, as a homage to SCAD.

 

I dedicate this piece to all women, but specifically every woman who has worked hard to provide for themselves and their family better than any man could.

 

- Dayton “DAYTime” Page

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Credits:

- Garment Designer: Dayton “DAYTime” Page

​​- Creative Director and Stylist: Dayton “DAYTime” Page

- Model: Hope Shelnut

- Photographer of Shoot: Dayton Page

- Photography Assist: Katrina Farah