What happens to the meaning of something as it travels through time and space?How do origin stories become so lost?
Through projection mapping of archival footage onto classic workwear like the blue collar work shirt and coveralls, this piece creates a visually interesting connection between workwear and its origins. Workwear was first innovated to protect workers in their trade, it has a rich history rooted in the labor movement, and strong ties to the working class. It has traveled through subcultures like hip-hop and skate where each used workwear to their own advantage, and it has adapted to become a staple of streetwear and high fashion. Yet the fashion world hypes up workwear without doing much for workers. As fast fashion and high fashion crank out lines to keep up with trends, thousands of people are set to work, sometimes under risky labor practices and standards. Workwear has a unique relationship with class and power, so its cross over into the fashion world should be questioned and its origins should not be forgotten.