tinka
«Feeling good in an outfit was my way of not always having to show the world what was really going on in my life.»
Tinka, 19, Hodgkin-Lymphoma
Fashion 4 me
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For Tinka, fashion became increasingly important during her treatment. It was a way for her to regain control over a part of her body—what she wore. Amidst the physical limitations and the overwhelming schedule of doctor appointments and treatments, there was a sense of losing control over her life. Wearing the right clothes gave her the feeling that she didn't have to openly reveal this struggle to the outside world.
«I had to hold on to something I could control—fashion gave me that power!»
Tinka
explain the look 1.
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Hair
Tinka’s bold glitter look captures her spirit of turning a bad situation into something empowering. She struggled with hair loss but chose to embrace her new appearance, transforming it into a statement of control over her illness, rather than being defined by it. The hairstyle symbolizes her fight against cancer, showing that she would never let it defeat her.
The Closnea corset represents Tinka’s self-confidence in the face of cancer. Despite the physical constraints that a corset might suggest, it was custom-fitted to her body as a symbol of self-love and self-acceptance. Tinka demonstrated the strength to appreciate and love her body, even during her most challenging moments.
The Concept Skirt by Closnea, with its unconventional silhouette, challenges traditional beauty standards. What defines beauty? What is considered ugly—and why? This piece, as the signature element of Tinka’s outfit, embodies the hope that beauty can be found even in the most difficult life situations.
explain the look 2.
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Top
Hair
In this second look, we chose to showcase Tinka’s buzzcut as she wears it daily. For her, openly celebrating her short hair and incorporating it into her style was a way to resist being defined by the illness. The buzzcut became a powerful symbol of Tinka’s refusal to let cancer dictate her identity, asserting that even in moments of physical change, she could still maintain her personal style and strength.
The Chauffer Épaule top with collar by Closnea is a dramatic contrast to the lighter, more expressive first look. This piece serves to emphasize the protective role clothing played for Tinka. Like a shield, the top hides what lies beneath, symbolizing her desire to shield herself from questions and intrusive stares. It reflects the moments when Tinka did not feel ready to speak about her illness and needed a barrier to maintain her sense of control.
The Concept Skirt by Closnea, with its unconventional silhouette, was designed to challenge traditional beauty ideals. What do we define as beautiful, and what do we label as ugly—and why? As the signature piece of Tinka’s outfit, the skirt symbolizes the hope that beauty can be found even in the most difficult situations in life. Its atypical design pushes the boundaries of conventional beauty standards, echoing Tinka's journey of embracing her uniqueness and personal strength despite her health challenges.
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