Bloody Belief

Three-quarter view of model wearing scarlet formal gown, which features a red capelet, a nude mesh top with hand embroidery, and a red, draped skirt with shaped tail.

Inspired by Tibetan monk garments, the large slashed opening meaning a break from constraint.

Close-up of cloud embroidery details on the scarlet capelet and nude mesh top.

Cloud embroidery wraps around the torso, symbolizing the healing of ripped skin.

Front view of fitted, full-length, scarlet gown with a center slit from neck to ankle, ruching, hand beading, and hand embroidery.

Inspired by Tang-ga. Ripping skin at front and leaving a bloody scar.

Back view of scarlet, ruched gown focusing on the embroidered mesh centerpiece.

Hand-embroidered back represents Tang-ga. Curved side zipper preserves the centerpiece's integrity.

One model wears the ruched scarlet gown and another model wears the scarlet gown with capelet and mesh top.

One look tells the story of a wounded soul, while the other represents redemption.

I was inspired by the religious practices of ancient Tibet. They believed in self-sacrifice and made a lot of religious instruments from human bones. They made paintings called Tang-ga (also spelled Thangka), which were a type of painting done on a living girl's skin.