Welmoed Bosch
Fashion Design and Writing






































Suiting the Body

Suiting the Body proposes an alternative approach to traditional tailoring. The men’s suit has symbolic meanings which seem contradictory. It was designed in accordance with Enlightenment ideals of rationality which denounce physicality. Meanwhile, it was modelled after an ideal male body in Greek sculpture. The rejection of the physical and striving for a ‘life of the mind’ is countered by a very erotic emphasis on the body underneath.

The suit emphasizes anatomy by showing a singular interpretation of a man’s body.  Although tailored suits are made specifically for individuals, their bodies are still translated into garments within a pre-defined system. This causes us to perceive bodies in a fixed way.

This series uses a different method: by casting a body, the form can be unfolded and laid flat like an orange peel. Garments created from this emphasize shapes which traditional suits smooth out: protruding shoulder blades, bulging crotches and clearcut calves.



Developed as Designer in Residence at EMMA Pforzheim. (2022)  












Film by Robben Fuhler
Models: Dominic and Dany
Jewellery by Franziska Lyon

Special thanks to the team at EMMA Pforzheim.
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