Arynn Baginski: Polyxena

Polyxena explores femininity through the lens of the Bacchae. In ancient Greek myth, Bacchae were women in divine frenzy. Inspired by the god Dionysus, they rejected societal expectations, reveled freely, and took revenge on those who would subjugate them. Ancient Bacchanalia had to meet 3 criteria, represented here by wine, blood, and human skin. As time went on, the concept has become associated with wild parties, opulence, and consumption.

Polyxena references these motifs through rich colors, fabrics, and embellishments. Foregoing classical Greek styles, this collection references Ancient Minoan layering and silhouettes. Calling back to symbolism regarding the human body, here it is explored as the model and the clothes. To depict bacchic frenzy, an emphasis on movement has been incorporated. Polyxena invites women to embrace authentic self-expression through formalwear.