In this project, I wanted to explore the cultural history of the human relationship with insects- focusing on the physical nature of insects and how it has influenced our design, behaviour, agriculture, media, culture and religion. I researched and explored much of this relationship through wearable design because so much of our relationship with insects relates to fear of physical contact, as well as objectification and aesthetics regarding the bodies and mechanics of insects.

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I researched insect morphology and experimented with many materials, following ideas of becoming closer with insects and altering our abilities- our hands becoming insect-like for example. I visited a bee farm where I learned about the process of beekeeping, beekeepers’ protective gear as well as witnessing the process of bees swarming.

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Combining ideas of insect morphology with protective gear I designed a set of 3 wearables designed to innovate within the realm of insect aesthetics and play on imagery of interaction with insects. I designed a mask inspired by a beekeeper’s veil with as a lightweight, tailored sportswear structure. The mask is made from 3 different types of mesh and textured plastic and finished with a pair of brass wings.

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Additionally, I created a facial adhesive piece portraying the eye and mouth as torn pieces of insect exoskeleton as well as brass teeth also referencing the outer skeletons of insects and drawing on the hard and sculptural nature of insects’ physical biological mechanics.

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Finally, I designed a gauntlet- the hand and forearm of which is made of processed and moulded PVA glue and stitched together to resemble a cracking insect exoskeleton. The mid-section of the gauntlet is made of woven brass which I textured to reference the leaves of the woven gloves worn by a Brazilian tribe during initiation rituals in which their hands are bitten by hundreds of ants. The woven brass in this mid-section is held together by sterling silver brackets- sealed by sterling silver nails and hooked together by the mandibles of three sterling silver ant heads in reference to the use of ant heads as surgical sutures in East Africa.