Ritual Sacrifice – Perfection, Paranoia and the World of Ballet

A KALTBUT exclusive fashion editorial by Jordana Halperin. A graduating student of Fashion Design (Honours) at RMIT University (Melbourne, Australia), exploring the human/psychological interface through a process driven practice questioning what fashion is, and whether the abstract self can be physically embedded into material. Jewellery by Kick in the Eye Jewellery. Film Photography by Renee Leah. Digital Photography by Timothy Treasure and Stephanie Alexopoulos. Hair and Make-up by Kim Hyunji and Acatpage.

“We recently took over an abandoned mansion to shoot this editorial of my collection entitled ‘Ritual Sacrifice’. Inspired by Black Swan, this sequence narrates the underlying anxieties of the world of ballet through postpunk conception.” 

Ritual Sacrifice

Perfection, Paranoia and the World of Ballet

Ritual Sacrifice reveals the stresses, anxieties and paranoia of the self-destructive underworld of ballet. Where successes are dictated as triumphs in an unnatural and injurious art form, and the dancer is duly punished for these faults by demonic alter egos. The mirror acts as a vessel for interrogating self, visualizing both the idealized version revealed to the public, as well as internalized wrongdoings. An ode to Black Swan, this sequence acts as a metaphor for the dark impulses of the artist. The prima ballerina’s psychic odyssey towards realizing artistic perfection relies on control, however, learns that it’s ultimately about “letting go”.

Through exploring modified skin and tattoo culture as potential anchors of self, Jordana’s laser-etched latex, repurposed leather and pierced lace embroidery collection investigates concerns regarding identity construction within postmodern society. By examining the division between body and self, the pieces aim to better understand the way in which individuals experience their modified skin, how the skin relates to the self, and whether the abstract nature of identity can be physically embedded into material. The notion of dress in relation to the body is challenged, encouraging broader definitions of identity, and commercial fashion practices to more closely examine the personal narrative of the wearer, with garments used as an expression of core self.

With the emergence of new, speculative body-modification based approaches to design, the question shifts from how adornment becomes, to rather how it is meaningful. By approaching the adorned body as a site for exploration, the skin is not limited to being within the realm of design practice, but rather the practice itself. By inserting self into artifacts and translating these back to the skin self, dress becomes a form of inner-expression, and an identity language is created. There is no strict code, merely a tool for enabling nature to be recognized and reformed externally.

Designer/producer is Jordana Halperin @jordanahalperin

Jordana Halperin’s process driven practice explores the human/psychological interface, questioning what fashion is, and whether the abstract self can be physically embedded into material. Working through themes of identity, rituals and the human experience, garments are used as a form of self-expression. By approaching the material skin as a site for exploration, the body is not limited to being within the realm of design practice, but rather the practice itself. Body modification techniques such as tattooing and piercing are applied to pieces. Designs show influence from subculture and DIY fashion movements, modernizing the inspirations to develop new expressions. Jordana recently graduated from the School of Fashion and Textiles at RMIT University, completing the Bachelor of Fashion (Design) (Honours).

Jewellery by Kick in the Eye Jewellery @kick_in_the_eye

Film Photography by Renee Leah @reneeleah

Digital Photography by Timothy Treasure @timotitreasure

Digital Photography by Stephanie Alexopoulos @cxrnersof

Hair and Make-up by Kim Hyunji @kimkimkimxx and Acatpage @maliyamhmt

Models are:

Kim Hyunji @kimkimkimxx

Sai @besoin.de.nicotine

Sophie Khoza @sophk.x

Milo Love @love.agent

Jeff Francis Kissubi @jeffsterkiss_