Welcome to Quieeran’s Queendom. You are currently entering my world or at least my idealised, pink version of it. With my collection, I have created a utopia that is free of self-loathing, misogyny, transphobia and bigotry. I am a proud non-binary, deformed individual who as an artist and designer wishes to eradicate my insecurities and use them as inspiration for my work. I am drawn to flamboyance, regality and fun and I have created a collection that exudes just that.
In terms of silhouette and style, I looked to the great monarchs of the past who dressed in such grandeur and elegance that regrettably is not prevalent today. My brand name being Queen Quieeran, researching royalty seemed like an appropriate and thoughtful choice. Henceforth, my collection exudes a sense of luxury, regality, and extravagance. Through excessive ruffling and bold silhouettes, I aimed to construct garments that make people feel like their most flamboyant selves. To gain authenticity when creating new designs, I looked to my own clothing for inspiration. I loved the idea of taking garments from my own wardrobe and draping them in unique ways to create something new. In doing so, I have created unexpected silhouettes that embody my personal style and showcase the fun I had playing with them. This experimentation is integral to my work and is used throughout my design process to ensure the joy of dressing up and draping remains.
Through my print work, I wished to change the narrative of how I feel about myself by romanticising my pain regarding my deformity. Looking to Francis Bacon for inspiration, I have created vivid prints that showcase my self-portraiture. My prints have allowed me to express my focal message that deformity is beauty and as a result, they possess an unapologetic and euphoric energy. To elaborate, I have taken the verbal abuse I have received and used it to fuel my artwork. As queer people, we graciously use the words that are used against us to give us power. So, to that effect, I have taken the abuse I have experienced and used it to energise my vision. What people dislike about me is my biggest strength. My deformity, my femininity, my very being, is my power. Furthermore, another notable inspiration would be the trans community. Collectively, they are the reason I have had the courage to embrace and be my authentic self. Through the colour palette, silhouettes, and mere exuberance of this collection, I show my adoration for my community as well as the love I now have for myself.
In essence, I desire to create work that encapsulates what I needed to see when I was 4 and felt like I didn’t belong. I’m doing it for me, for my community and for the people out there who have ever felt alienated or rejected by society: it’s all for you.
