This Is My Strong Suit
Helen Davies’ work explores themes of women’s bodies and identities, most recently the fitness industry, strength and beauty. This Is My Strong Suit is a handknit tailored jacket decorated with her drawings of gym selfies – photos from social media showing off lean tailored bodies. Helen was fascinated by the superhuman, super perfect images, often further tailored by photoshop and filters. The women’s bodies follow the curves of the jacket. Helen’s work seeks joy in women experiencing pride and happiness with their appearance and strong bodies, while acknowledging the strange, over-produced images on display.
The design and colours were inspired by Nudie Cohn’s flamboyant suits, fun and colourful to emphasise the joyful side of the subject.
Producing a tailored jacket from knitted fabric was a challenge, and the garment is supported by internal structures. The jacket was knitted from British wool by West Yorkshire Spinners, a local yarn company, which was purchased from Eweneek Crafts at Sunny Bank Mills. Using local and traditional wool also honours the Mills’ legacy.
