Rachel Burnett

Muse

The work is inspired a poem from Sylvia Plath that explores a character in a hospital room disturbed by the presence of a vase of red tulips. The protagonist is fragile and struggling with suicidal thoughts. The work of Rachel Burnett is constructed in a delicate manner, using traditional hand embroidery techniques to reflect this frail persona.

Photographs of Plath in swimwear inspire the shape of the pieces and the placement of the embroidery. The idea of the embroidery encircling the body is derived from imagery gleaned from within the poem Tulips, where visual connections echo that of being suffocated by the flowers. Using lingerie garments as a canvas reflects the revealing nature of Plath’s poetry. Even though the poem has a sombre melancholy to it, the use of floral imagery inspires growth and positivity, which move beyond the words of the page.

Burnett’s pieces of delicate lingerie are constructed from vintage materials using only traditional hand embroidery techniques. All materials and fabrics reflect those that would have been used in bespoke lingerie of the era. Traditional white work embroidery insertion stitches are used for the side seams and attached with vintage silk ribbon. Everything encapsulates the frailty of the fabrics and the wearer.

rachelburnettdesign@outlook.com