Being an absence of mass, sound, weight, and mass; the phenomenon of light continuously defines physicality. Exploring the electromagnetic spectrum, visible light reveals qualities of the present reality. Our universe is centered and unconditionally interacting with mechanisms of light, which evoked me to utilize light as a prominent medium embodied in my current work. My collection, Gamma, titled after the symbol which represents a light photon in physics , aims not only to exist in the physical world but also within the spectrum of light. Each look is informed by the behaviors molecular light photons expresses. Allowing these characteristics to direct materials and case studies, I chose textiles paralleled with experiences that allow light to be an active part of the overall development and presentation. This expansion of physicality within the aura of an illuminated interaction expands the works past the body and into the energy of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Mood board & research
Color Story & illustrations
Material Exploration
Muslin prototypes
Scattered, Look #3: Zipper corset, layered silk skirt, cinched glow-in-dark jacket
Photographed by: Jim Prinz (photo #1) and Ese E Gagoh (photo #2-3), Modeled by: Saiged Vizcarra
Refracted, Look #2: Lantern cut metallic top, silver shorts, weighted leather vest, neon lightning bolt
Photographer and editor: Matt Dickson, Modeled by: Amira Diaw, Neon lightning bolt crafted by: Yaelin Kim
Transmitted, Look #1: Thorned Organza pants, translucent vinyl and reflective jacket, glass star chain
Editorial directed by: Zo Roze and T Antonakis Kane, Models: Tristan Riggs and Saige Vizcarra, Glass Star crafted by: Addison Cohen
Luminous, Looks #1-3
Photographed by: Jim Prinz, Modeled by: Amira Diaw, Saige Vizcarra, and Vincent Wing Ho Kung
Absorb, Look #5: Angler fish hooded vest, bleached denim pants with transparent leather skirt rear
Photographed by: Jim Prinz, Modeled by: Julius Adorsu
Diffracted, Look #4: Metal and net tutu, mirrored vinyl corset with mobile hood, mirrored vinyl leg warmer and pointe shoe covers, knitted arm sleeve
Photographed by: Alyvia Luong, Modeled by: Zo Roze
Zo’s work speculates the features and processes that reveal the duration of physicality. Their work is elemental; informed through raw materials, organic characteristics, and implicit construction. Empirically emotive, they aspire to generate brazen terrestrial features to become tangible. Taking observation of forms, features, and processes of the physical world is an essential component for generating designs, textures, and techniques. Their expression has developed into a potent style of rigid refinement; conducted by mediums or imitations of metals, glass, light, concrete, and leathers. Manipulating materials revealing the truth of destruction performed through shattering, burning and distressing is also a consistent practice. Experimenting with the embodiment of elemental materials and qualities consistently lends itself to develop a warped but identifiable visual representation of an alienated personal composition. Zo’s sculptures, fashion, and creative direction frequently blend to produce works that implement engagement in many realms.