W E A R E A L L
P A P E R D O L L S
We Are All Paper Dolls is an exploration of fragility, vulnerability, and the interplay between identity and materiality within the framework of modern consumerism. The collection’s title evokes imagery of something transient and fragile—much like paper dolls, which can be easily torn, folded, or reshaped. Through the use of unconventional materials, the designer challenges traditional notions of what fashion “should” be, pushing boundaries to examine the complexities of how individuals construct their identities in society. Each piece in the collection speaks to the idea that we are all malleable, capable of being reassembled or transformed—just as paper dolls can be. The work captures the fluid nature of selfhood, encouraging a deeper reflection on how our identities evolve and adapt in response to external pressures and internal reinvention.
We Are All Paper Dolls speaks to the idea that identity is not fixed, but fluid and ever-changing—much like the paper dolls we play with as children. These dolls, often simple and lightweight, can be folded, reshaped, or torn apart, and their outfits can be swapped at will. In this way, they become a metaphor for the way we, as individuals, navigate the world, constantly adapting and shifting in response to society, culture, and personal experiences.
At its core, the phrase “We Are All Paper Dolls” evokes the fragility and malleability of human identity in a world that constantly demands reinvention and adaptation. Just as paper dolls are designed to be altered and modified, we, too, are often subjected to external forces—whether through societal expectations, consumer culture, or personal growth—that shape who we are and how we present ourselves to the world.
Layer 001: Caley
The first of two looks in We Are All Paper Dolls reimagines the Y2K aesthetic through a transformative lens, blending unconventional materials to create a striking narrative of identity, strength, and self-expression. The puffer jacket, crafted from adult diapers, challenges traditional notions of fashion, turning something associated with fragility into a bold statement of resilience. Paired with a skirt woven from pages of Untamed by Glennon Doyle, the look is a metaphor for the layers of human experience—each page, each fold, contributing to the narrative of self-empowerment and reinvention.
The paper fan top, layered with the cover of Untamed, symbolizes the journey toward authenticity, vulnerability, and courage—themes of the book that resonate deeply with the wearer’s experience of embracing her own narrative. The combination of these elements reflects the fluid, evolving nature of identity and the power of transformation.
This look isn’t just a fashion statement—it’s a celebration of individuality and the freedom to define oneself outside of societal norms. The Y2K influence adds a playful rebellion against conventional beauty standards, empowering her to step into a space where she is unapologetically herself. The collection, and especially this look, embraces the idea that identity is malleable and can be reshaped into something beautiful and unique, no matter the expectations placed upon us.
Layer 002: Chanel
The second look in We Are All Paper Dolls challenges the notion of permanence by reimagining the wedding dress, one of the most traditional symbols of commitment, using plastic—an ephemeral material that holds a deeper truth. The plastic drop cloth skirt, adorned with plastic gloves turned into cascading flowers, and the repurposed umbrella frames as boning in the bustier, speak to the idea that we are constantly reshaping ourselves in response to external pressures, experiences, and growth. Just as paper dolls are designed, folded, and altered, we, too, are continually redefined, evolving through each layer of our story.
This dress is a meditation on the fragility and strength inherent in all of us—the vulnerability of identity and the quiet resilience it takes to embrace change, discard what no longer serves us, and reconstruct ourselves anew. In a world that often imposes fixed identities, this look celebrates the beauty of reinvention, the power in being malleable, and the freedom to design who we are at any given moment.
This dress is not just about fragility—it’s about the quiet power we all have to reconstruct ourselves, over and over again, no matter how broken or torn we may feel. It’s about the layers we build, shed, and rebuild in a lifetime. In a world that pressures us to conform to rigid, unchanging definitions, this look reminds us that we are not static. We are all in the process of becoming—constantly shifting, evolving, and finding beauty in the spaces where we transform. Each tear, each fold, and each layer is part of our story, and in the act of reimagining ourselves, we find strength in our fragility.