Larissa Day

BA (Hons) Fashion Art Direction 2021

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Morning fishing up the Amazon with Tia Madalena & Tio João, to source some food for our lunch. Post Covid, meat prices have risen in Brazil, more than half what it used to cost. Although considered a luxury, the average, weekly salary wage doesn't cover the costs of meat and people are forced to look for alternative solutions. This is especially difficult in the city.
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Bear hug - we all need one!
3/10
Topping up Vovó Maria's water. In the comfort of her home, she lies in a hammock and recounts tales of her past growing up in Pacoval.
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Watching the local football match, with my cousin Noelle, and her son Eric.
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Apoio - Exploring notions of home and belonging during these current, unprecedented times. Dependent on the eye of the beholder, the barred window can be for a sense of security or symbolises the third national lockdown imposed. All we have left is hope and lots of faith in the safety of our distanced, loved ones.
6/10
When in the city, we experienced a water drought for a couple of days in that specific bairro (neighbourhood). So we showered outside.
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Influenced by the current phantasmagoria trend where there is an element of ‘horror luxe’ as well as the textured antique aesthetic, I’ve approached my concept from this angle.To illustrate a state of pain purgatory that women and transgender individuals have to endure for up to 8 years before being diagnosed with Endometriosis. This inspired the project title,‘Endo Inferno’ with a soft-punk style, using pre-loved items to create a raw look that embraces an ‘enhanced nature’ which is the virtual world as opposed to the natural one.
8/10
I explored my creativity through photography by experimenting with long exposure and external objects to distort the image and express how a long term illness can affect a person’s sense of reality, as physical repercussions aren’t the only side effect of Endo but mental health is too, due to the fact that there is no cure yet.
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I used collage as a process to creatively collate my ideas. To inform the style and concept development of the 'Endo Inferno' Editorial.
10/10
The art of casting and styling is something I deeply enjoy. A recent project I produced, collaborating an amazing team was on this editorial with a nod to the sixties. Influenced by icons from that era Brigitte Bardot, Twiggy and of course the fashion visionary Mary Quant herself, to inform a contemporary approach on the creative direction.

Larissa Day

BA (Hons) Fashion Art Direction 2021

For final year I wanted to hone in on my roots. 'Homebird' explores heritage and identity to inform a cultural understanding of my native country, Brazil. Through the lens of someone with a dual nationality, and thus an informed background, I was able to capture the different daily rituals that are a part of the livelihood in a small village by the Amazon. Visiting family overseas in December allowed me to shed light on the simplicity of everyday living in the jungle, and in comparison appreciate the privileges we have in the western world. My stay with relations was several months longer than anticipated due to current times with Covid and the UK borders having closed. This opportunity revived fond, old memories of growing up and the strong bonds we had, whilst also creating new ones; reconnecting with my extended family who are larger-than-life. Shared experiences support one another at times of need as well as learning of enchanting folklore stories. These images explore notions of home and belonging during these current, unprecedented times.

My Final Major Project is a visual story of my interpretation of a chronic condition that has affected me for more than half my life but is something that has been hidden from plain sight until it was only recently diagnosed. 1 in 10 women suffer from Endometriosis, some of whom don't even know they have it until the symptoms become so unbareable, it starts to affect their personal, social and work life balance. By directing the editorial I was able to communicate with the model my own experiences to translate this on set. I want to provoke a conversation through fashion, amongst women and experts in the field. I've tried to take a difficult topic, that's under-researched, to create something beautiful that starts a discussion to raise awareness for future generations.