Bella Rodriguez — BFA Fashion Design 2025

Materiality

STRENGTH AND FRAGILITY

Through this collection, I explore the tension between strength and fragility within the context of queerness and femininity. Inspired by the sculptural works of Barbara Chase-Riboud and Juliana Cerqueira Leite, the designs embrace the body as a site of transformation, resilience, and self-expression. Soft, flowing yarn is contrasted with hard, upcycled materials like recycled aluminum soda tabs — creating garments that function as both armor and skin. Baroque influences and the aesthetics of drag bring drama, excess, and texture, celebrating performance as a form of empowerment. Grounded in queer theory and intersectionality, this collection challenges binary notions of gender and beauty, using materiality to reflect the complexity of identity and the power in embracing one’s truth.

Image: color palette and texture inspiration for each look

Image: Inspired by the Baroque statue *The Ecstasy of Mary Magdalene*, this look delves into the journey of self-discovery through vulnerability, transcendence, and the exploration of form. It also challenges conventional notions of femininity by embracing non-normative expressions of the feminine.

Image: Inspired by Barbara Chase-Riboud’s sculptures, this look features tubular structures that create bold, sculptural shapes. The contrast between the metallic aluminum and matte yarn emphasizes the tension between strength and softness.

Image: Echoing the organic forms of Barbara Chase-Riboud’s sculptures, this look features earthy, wool-like textures intertwined like vines, with subtle touches of gold silk adding warmth and light. The asymmetrical silhouette—longer on one side—evokes natural growth and intuitive movement.

Image: Inspired by Juliana Cerqueira Leite’s white sculptures, this look uses fringe knit to create a hair-like texture that feels both delicate and unruly. The white palette and iridescent pearls evoke femininity and innocence, while subtly challenging ideas of purity and control.

Image: Reflecting Barbara Chase-Riboud’s black sculptures, this look features a tubular structure accented with blue metallic soda tabs arranged in a flowing, lava-like pattern. The design symbolizes change and transformation, capturing the fluidity and continuous evolution of identity.

Photographer: Gabriella Spiegel
Models:
Jennifer Golder
Madison Texidor
Analesea Sims
Kira Ferguson
Lio Negron

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bellarodriguezdesigns@gmail.com

Bio

Bella Rodriguez is a knitwear designer whose practice is grounded in handcraft techniques such as crochet, knitting, and beading. Her work explores the intersections of identity, community, and self-expression, with a particular focus on uplifting and representing LGBTQ+ voices. Guided by a commitment to inclusivity, Bella designs garments that are adaptable to a range of body types and gender expressions, embracing fluidity both in form and meaning. She views clothing as a space for storytelling—where texture, material, and silhouette come together to reflect the complexity and beauty of individual identities. Through a thoughtful, process-driven approach, Bella aims to create work that is not only visually compelling but also rooted in care, intention, and connection.