Loose Briefs and Push-Up Bras
We’ve been set an introductory assignment on our Masters course to address a vague brief simply based around the word ‘Support’. The objective was to work with other members of the course and produce a mutli-practional, collaborative design. I was unable join a group when the brief was set, but worked so I could still provide a proposal the following week.
I was kidding with my wife about the task when I made a flippant remark about push-up bras. It was a poor joke, in bad taste. (But I should state found amusing by all participating parties.) It also highlighted my ignorance.
The brassiere is a design solution that deserves some respect. It has a deep cultural history in the western world and has become a symbol of a woman’s femininity, empowerment and equality. The bra has helped shape modern history and aided Neil Armstrong to land on the moon. Can you think of a greater symbol to represent women?
As a male member of the species, I don't actually KNOW what it means to have a good bra. I can’t really appreciate how a bit of clothing can get me through a normal day, aid my emotional well-being and even prevent physical harm. I can’t actually appreciate the enormity of accommodating ever-changing appendages of my body.
As a male member of the species, I don't have first-hand experience of the changes I need to make to my lifestyle and wardrobe simply because I am growing old. I can’t really understand the physical changes of growing from child to adult for a young lady. I will not experience how the prelude, finale and post-performance of childbirth will have on my body. Men do develop issues of tissue elasticity and firmness, but it can all be safely tucked away out of sight and mind. Ageing is visibly less forgiving for a woman and is far more difficult to camouflage.
As a male member of the species, I have never had my intimate parts clinically scrutinised, measured and tussled by a stranger simply so they can sell me a garment. I have never had a regular appointment to have my body parts inspected, examined and analysed by a medical specialist to provide reassurance that they are healthy.
I can empathise, but I will never truly understand.
The Macmillan Organisation has worked extremely hard for over a century to raise awareness of social taboos and promote an understanding of the conditions and circumstances that cancer sufferers may face. My design is successful as it draws on this pedagogy and is effective within their strong branding and advertising campaign. It is a playful combination of text and message that invokes serious thought.
I prepared a prototype of the final design but also felt I needed to provide some balance. After all, cancer is not sexist. The rise in statistics for ‘Men’s Problems’ is a worrying figure that requires a greater level of social awareness and discussion -particularly amongst the male members of the species.
