This piece is inspired by Chicago’s dark history of dime museums and the discriminatory "Ugly Law." Through distressed finishes, muted neutrals, and silhouettes that emphasize joints, the garments reflect objectification of marginalized performers in the early 20th century. Drawing from themes of puppetry and doll-like figures, the focus on joints symbolizes enforced movement and control—echoing the way people were once put on display. The worn textures suggest the passage of time, as if these garments have sat untouched on a shelf, merely observed—like the human curiosities once exhibited. This piece is a love letter to Chicago’s forgotten and misunderstood oddities. Listen to Xanthe speak about this piece:
