Chiara Hodgson
Costume Design MA
London College of Fashion UAL
Specialisms: Costume Design - Stage Screen Dance / Sustainable Fashion/Textiles / Textiles for Fashion
Location: Paris, France
Chiara Hodgson
First Name: Chiara
Last Name: Hodgson
Specialisms: Costume Design - Stage Screen Dance / Sustainable Fashion/Textiles / Textiles for Fashion
Sectors:
My Location: Paris, France
University / College: London College of Fashion UAL
Course / Program Title: Costume Design MA
About
Chiara Hodgson is a Franco-British fashion and costume designer, based between London (United Kingdom) and Paris (France). With a BA from ESMOD Paris, and an MA from London College of Fashion (UAL), her work focuses on narrative-driven, ethically produced pieces that bridge fashion, performance, film, and installation.
In 1975, during an interview conducted by l’INA Société France, individuals were asked the following question: "What is it to be a woman?" (“C’est quoi une femme?”, 1975, Paris). Now, nearly 50 years later, this question still echoes, resonating with new meanings and challenges. L’Autre (“The Other”, ref: The Second Sex, Simone de Beauvoir) explores how women’s perspectives on womanhood have evolved since 1975 and the societal pressures that continue to shape female identity. Using costume design, and Neil Gaiman’s Coraline as a visual and thematic framework, the project investigates the psychological, social, and historical influences on women’s lives. My goal aims to encourage the audience to reflect on how gender expectations still shape women's lives and to consider how these expectations can be broken down. Just like Coraline moves between her world and the Other World, women today are constantly navigating the challenges of modern womanhood, finding strength and empowerment while still facing the limits society places on them. This body of work is dedicated to all women around the world, with a special thought for my family, and in particular my younger sister, whose strength and determination continue to inspire me every day. *Final work presented as a performance film, combining projections, sound, dance & costume. All materials for 3 costumes were entirely up-cycled. Directed & Produced by Chiara Hodgson Costume Design by Chiara Hodgson Performed by Yanki Yau Digital montage by Chiara Hodgson Cinematography by Nick Sargeant & Dan Adakpor Choreography by Tia Hockey Course Director: Agnes Treplin Technical support: Guilia Pecorari, Vic Aubrey, Ben Turnbell, Helena Hodgson
Competitions
Global Creative Graduate Showcase 2025
Female street harassment
The focus through social and experimental research of woman’s placement in Street Harassment in our current society through an up-cycled collection. In depth understanding on the psychology of both genders, transitioning from childhood to adulthood, social norm’s & studies, female anatomy, personal cases, colour theory (// print & fabric) and sustainability (key focus on up-cycling). All my research as well as critical analysis is on my blog : https://chiararosati.blogspot.com This personal subject is to encourage social justice, ecological integrity and educate current and future generations through the intersection of art, fashion, sustainability and female activism. ALL MATERIALS WERE UP-CYCLED // exception : sustainable WADDING- won from FREUDENBEURG competition. (PHOTOGRAPHER FOR FINAL PHOTOSHOOT: Emile Steiner) 1ST VIDEO // « C’est quoi une femme? », Audio : l’INA ARCHIVE 1970 . (Where females are placed in Society) Using performance through masks, a film of young women in Paris living with societal pressure & discrimination in their day to day life. Some contradictory audio with the video. (Shot on DV tape - Canon MV600I. Filmed, directed & edited by me.) 2ND VIDEO // 10 minute interview from 14 women with an additional feature of + 3 women for end credits. Based on personal experiences & opinions on this matter. Grand merci à ces magnifiques filles/ Big thank you to these beautiful girls. ( Filmed, directed & edited by me.)
Competitions
Global Design Graduate Show 2023
My costume is designed for Hermia (my adaptation of "A Midsummer Nights Dream", William Shakespeare). It represents a gradual breaking free from societal rules, focusing on gender stereotypes, particularly how women are portrayed through society’s gaze. My key research behind this concept is how social aspects affect gender traits and contribute to gender gaps. I interpreted her soundings as an internal state, a subconscious realm where societal pressures and prejudices are confronted. It becomes a space for reflection and confusion. Hermia's costume represents her transformation within this inner mind. Its organic shape symbolises her journey, and the neon fuchsia, historically associated with femininity, challenges these stereotypes that have been manufactured sine the 1940's. Her hair, intertwining with her thoughts, illustrates the merging of personal identity with societal expectations. I aimed to create a powerful visual costume that resonates with contemporary discussions about gender equality and societal progress.