Wearable Thesis

Wearable Thesis is an exhibition of designed outcomes from a linked sequence of MFA courses—DESI 605 and DESI 621—taught by Stella Colaleo. An extended project challenged students to conceptualize and create contemporary wearables that synthesize and express themes from their MFA theses, while demonstrating mastery of innovative material processes. Students gained valuable professional experience by working closely with local artisans and makers, collaboratively realizing their unique individual works.



Special thanks, for support from the VCUarts Qatar Office of Research and Development



VCUArt Qatar (2022)
DESI 605 Design process and
ethic for business
DESI 621 Leadership&Entrepreneurship

Students:
Hind Al-Saad, Sara Alafifi, Naima Almajdobah, Adriane De Souza, Destarte Prieto, Moom Thahinah

Photo: Stella Colaleo, Raviv Cohen

Familiar: Wearing Memories
Adriane De Souza
This jewelry project reimagines everyday objects as wearable art, drawing inspiration from the lively culture of Rio de Janeiro. Inspired by my thesis topic, the collection celebrates the essence of Brazilian funk by incorporating elements commonly seen in daily life. Each piece is an homage to the overlooked richness of this culture, aiming to elevate and honor its significance. The resulting project fosters a deeper sense of connection and appreciation for the ways in which music contributes to the dynamic tapestry of Rio's everyday life.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Zaytouna: Branches That Take You Home
Naima Almajdobah
Zaytouna is a tribute piece, an embodiment of the olive tree, which is a symbol revered by displaced Palestinians. It is not merely an accessory, but a statement piece, designed to gracefully embrace the wearer, transcending luxury. More than the sum of its parts, the necklace contains a tangible piece of the Palestinian homeland, a profound connection to home. Beyond adornment, jewelry has the capacity to encapsulate stories, form connections and foster a meaningful present, rooted in the past.
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Unfolding Remembrance: PC (Brooches)
Hind Al-Saad
Words of remembrance and the Quran are at the core of Islamic practice. This collection of brooches encodes هو الله (He is Allāh) into gold traces on printed circuit boards (PCB’s). The encoding takes the form of the written script itself, a binary system of 0’s and 1’s. The numbers are stylized to represent the graphic forms of adornments from Kufic script in early Islamic manuscripts.

The phrase forms the central two words of verse 112:1 of the Quran. The first word, هو (He is), consists of two letters, which are articulated using sounds from the two ends of our vocal tract—referencing how Allah is the first and the last. The first brooch takes a circular form to reflect one aspect of his name of الباقي (Everlasting). The second word is الله (Allah), and this brooch takes the rectangular form of the elongated word itself to represent tawhid—the oneness of Allah.
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The Incoherence of Orientalists: Confronting Orientalist Epistemology Through Altered Prayer Mats
Sara Alafifi
Orientalism, the Western practice of fetishizing cultures, goes beyond a mere misrepresentation of the “other.” Like colonial powers, Orientalism has invaded the Arab and Muslim world, permeating its entire social framework, making us all participants in a complex system.

My work sheds light on the ways modern forms of power and knowledge are used to control people. This project reflects on Orientalist epistemology by incorporating embroidered poetic statements into altered prayer mats, employing a language of critique that internalizes the voice of the oppressor.
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Of Islands and of Sea: Bridging the Past and Present of Filipino Jewelry
Destarte Prieto
My jewelry collection combines tradition and innovation, using contemporary fabrication techniques to craft pieces inspired by the artifacts of indigenous Filipino tribes. The primary material is capiz, made from shells sourced from the Philippines. Three necklaces reflect characteristics associated with tribes from the nation’s major island groups: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Approaching this distinctive material—long associated with the Philippines—in novel and innovative ways, the work aims to resonate with a new generation, offering wearable art that respects cultural heritage while also working to bolster and revive the struggling capiz shell industry.
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Huda's Journey: A Jewelry Collection Symbolizing Empowerment and Cultural Dialogue
Moom Thahinah
Embark on an empowering journey with Huda, a superhero challenging stereotypes and advocating for inclusivity. The collection features four rings, each crafted to refllect Huda's global adventures.

The centerpiece of each ring is a single band. At one end of the band, Huda stands tall, embodying courage and determination. At the other end, iconic buildings from the countries she visits emerge, symbolizing her mission to challenge perceptions and spark dialogue.

Huda's superpower of flight enables her to travel effortlessly across borders, able to confront stereotypes surrounding the Hijab in countries often deemed oppressive or restrictive. Everywhere she goes, she challenges societal norms and fosters understanding.