Inspired by the Elizabethan era, this wearable challenges the gratuitous use of animal products in Anglo cultures, shedding light on the historical exploitation of others for baseless social elevation and entertainment of the wealthy exclusives at the expense of nonhuman animals as well as the marginalized.

Crafted from liquid latex, fabrics, faux fur, and plastics, the headpiece and mask emphasize the restrictive nature of female attire in both literal and metaphorical contexts. The mask, heavy and tight, restricts movement and muffles the wearer’s voice, symbolizing societal constraints on women. The faux fur headpiece subtly alludes to trophy hunting, emphasizing the objectification of women and animals as accessories to men, underscoring shared mistreatment. Referencing Theodor Roosevelt’s quote on hunting, the wearable critiques the trivialization of the exploitation and violence against nonhuman animals for nostalgic masculinity, “for men to feel like boys again”. A cousin to “boys will be boys”, giving continuous excuses to simply brush off violence and mistreatment waged by boys and men against nonhuman animals and girls.

By normalizing such treatment from a young age, women are conditioned to consider these subliminal violences to be expected, they know their concerns and complaints will not be addressed with urgency or care. They are silenced at the expense of their male counter-parts for enjoyments and pleasures that are all rooted in cruelties. Once she stops resisting society’s norms and wears flesh that once also begged for mercy, around her neck, she will be the perfect wife, a trophy wife, nice and silent.