The Mad Hatter is a strange and theatrical character—known for speaking in riddles and convinced he was sipping tea from an empty cup. To me, his character symbolizes mental illness and the way society often distorts reality through lies and misconceptions due to social media and entertainment. These pressures create countless forms of mental struggle, and no one is entirely exempt. I translated this concept by deconstructing teapots and teacups, reassembling their broken pieces onto the top hat so that they still suggested the shape of a teacup. The fragmented ceramics symbolize the brokenness that comes with mental illness, while its beauty reflects the imperfections we all share.

Flutter sleeve bodysuit crafted from black Florence stretch lace. Designed with a ruffle mock neck, flutter shoulders, and white Florence stretch lace ruffle at each elbow. Fuchsia stretch charmeuse satin bow at the neckline and three dyed-to-match hook-and-eye closures at the back neck.

Beige wide-leg trousers are crafted from scuba double knit fabric. Designed with leg panel seaming and front slits that open from the high shin, each slit is trimmed with black Florence stretch lace and contrast white Florence stretch lace. Sits at the low hip, the look is finished with a fuchsia charmeuse satin bow on the wearer’s right leg.

The top hat is reimagined through sustainable repurposing.