What Michaela Did Next
Michaela Stark doesn't mince her words for anyone, nor her body, for that matter. Her corseted, cinching designs have provoked and thrilled a growing audience in recent years with their considered explosions of flesh, the kind society teaches us to be repulsed by, to hide.
Over a handful of years, Michaela Stark has amassed an audience captivated by both the clothes and Stark as an artist, the walking embodiment of her brand which makes up her daily wardrobe. Once, Stark arrived at SHOWstudio for a filming session particularly late as no cabs would pick her up once they set eyes on her. Female power sets the fear of God in men. Coincidentally, the male gaze is exactly who these creations are not for.
Stark has covered numerous fashion titles’ magazine covers, been the subject of a massive Nick Knight 3D printed sculpture, and designed a capsule collection for Victoria's Secret. Following the launch of her couture business two years ago, now she plans to talk to the masses with Panty, a ready-to-wear and lingerie collection.
Having lived in the city of Milan to study after first moving to Europe as a graduate from Australia, Stark's showcase on Thursday evening at the Fondazione Sozzani was somewhat of a homecoming. Recreating her studio inside the fashion and arts institution founded by Carla Sozzani in 2016, Stark was joined by the model Yasmin El Yassini.
Wrapping, sculpting and contorting female flesh, Clark worked her creations onto and into El Yassini’s body for the ultimate reclamation of female power. Doll-like, the performance tied through nicely to Panty’s campaign imagery by Charlotte Rutherford.
Against the backdrop of Milan Fashion Week, Stark's alternative, thrilling take on what it means to really love every inch of ourselves in an image-obsessed industry is palpable.
Panty, created in collaboration with Stark's partner Raga Munecas, will be sold direct-to-consumer meaning that it will be more readily accessible than Stark's previous pieces. Available up to a size 5XL and be made from deadstock fabrics such as tulle and silk,
'The mission is to show what it means to be truly inclusive as this is the brand ethos throughout the entire design process, by sampling a wide range of sizes and creating diverse styles that are made to flatter different body types, including trans and plus sizes. Over time Panty will aim to become line that is trusted by women, where they know that no matter who they are, they can feel confident in coming to us for garments that fit beautifully and also reflect their femininity aesthetically.'
