Endometriosis Awareness : In collaboration with Roya Rasouli Design

In the ever-evolving landscape of fashion, designers are using their creative platforms to address critical issues, bringing awareness to health conditions and fostering empowerment. One such designer making waves in this space is Roya Rasouli, a recent graduate from the Manchester Fashion Institute. Roya's Final Major Project is not just a culmination of her academic journey; it's a passionate endeavour to raise awareness for Endometriosis, a health condition she has personally grappled with for 12 years.

Endometriosis, a chronic condition affecting individuals with female reproductive systems, often goes undiagnosed for an average of 7.5 years. Roya, armed with her background in fashion design and technology, decided to use her voice and artistic prowess to shed light on this often misunderstood and overlooked ailment. 3D printed Endometriosis is designed to raise awareness of Endometriosis health condition that affects 176 million people worldwide and there is no cure for it yet. 

“We need to continue talking about Endometriosis to encourage more research and tests to be done for finding a cure or cause of the condition and reduce the average diagnosis time which is currently 7.5 years can affect those born with the female reproductive system. We live in the 21st-century women need a cure for this condition that affects them daily. I use my voice and platform as a conscious sustainable fashion designer who had the condition for 12 years to raise awareness for Endometriosis. This project is for empowering women all around the globe to give them the attention they deserve in the research area.”

Roya's collection, showcased on the catwalk as part of her degree, is a testament to her commitment to the cause. This collection is made of 100% 3D printed textile which the filaments used were dead stock and disregarded also TPU is 100% recyclable therefore is circular and the garment will be turning into new material via heat and the collection has some dead stock pure silk and polyester from a high-end fashion company. The looks are inspired by the invisibleness of the pain and the condition visually on the body but at the same time so much is going on inside the person's body and mind. The 3D Printed Endometriosis Awareness collection is not only visually stunning but also environmentally conscious, utilising 100% zero-waste 3D printed textile and repurposed dead stock silk.

The collection features 349 panels, each intricately designed to reflect the spider web-like structures of endometriosis scar tissues. The dominance of clear white in the collection symbolises the invisibility of the condition, emphasising the need to bring it into the spotlight. The choice of materials not only aligns with sustainable fashion practices but also serves as a metaphor for the resilience required in the face of a chronic illness.

Roya's journey in creating this collection was far from smooth, marked by challenges and obstacles. However, her unwavering passion for fashion and her dedication to empowering women triumphed over every hurdle. Each panel took an average of 1.5 to 3 hours to 3D print, highlighting the meticulous craftsmanship involved.

Acknowledging the collaborative spirit that fuelled this project, Roya extends her gratitude to her incredible collaborators. Among them are two strong Endometriosis warriors who brought their unique skills to the table. Stella Bullo, a language researcher, contributed powerful messages for the garments based on years of research on how pain is described. Jamie-Lee Wainman, a Creative Practitioner, designed custom earrings for each outfit, adding a personalised touch to the collection.

Roya’s final graduate fashion collection has been show cased in Manchester Fashion Institute at  Manchester School of Art Graduate Catwalk, Northern Fashion Week (2022) and Your City in Mind Manchester 2022.

TEAM  CREDITS:

Creative Direction, Photographer & Retoucher: Katie Aird // @driaeitak

Concept Direction & Fashion Designer: Roya Rasouli // @royarasouli.design

Fashion Stylist: Matilda Hardwick // @matildahardwick

MUA and Hair Styling: Evie Rawnsley // @evierawnsley.mua

Jewellery Designer : Jamie-Lee Wainman // @wainman_design

Models:

EJ Hattersley, signed at Contact Creatives & Zebedeetalent // @ejhattersleyy

Lucia Ward // @luey_ward

Rowan Keech // @rowankeech

Special thanks to Matt @ Spectrum Studios, Manchester UK.