68 Circles
68 Circles developed from research done for the presentation and article Badge of Dishonor: Jewish Badges in Medieval Europe. This dress interpreted the repercussions of Canon 68, the 1215 Papal edict requiring that Jews distinguish themselves from Christians by their dress. The primary tool of this persecution was a fabric badge in the shape of a yellow circle.
The dress juxtaposed subtle circles facing inward, representing the desire to hide, with aggressive bright circles that demand to be seen. The bright circles are displayed on one long panel from neck to hem on the left side of the body, the location most associated with the medieval Jewish badges. This contemporary dress symbolizes the dichotomy of suppression and disclosure.
68 Circles was featured on the runway at the Iowa State University Fashion Show.
