Artist Adriana Bertini has taken using “protection” to another realm with a unique collection of dresses all beautifully constructed from condoms…

The Artist

condom dressTo Adriana Bertini, the condom’s image was in need of dire change. Having worked with the prophylactic material for over a decade, her beautifully crafted pieces have been showcased in popular museums and events worldwide, benefiting the awareness against the prevention of AIDS.

The Message

Working closely with HIV-positive children, Bertini was inspired to create vibrant sculptural works which aim to enforce the importance of sexual protection. Her philosophy is that:

“Condoms must be basic like a pair of jeans and so necessary like a great love.” – Adriana Bertini

Design and Construction

Bertini’s “Condom Couture” is handcrafted from quality-test rejected condoms. This thorough testing process includes using a current of voltage to see if the condom is an insulator of the current; tiny holes in the condom allow the current to escape, making for a rejected prophylactic.

Patterns
The bodies of the dresses are constructed from patterns of condoms attached together for the desired shape. Condoms are either made into a collage of condoms or handled like a form of tapestry. Alternative methods of using the condoms (twisting, stretching, hanging, etc) provide unique patterns to add to the overall design of the dress.

condom dress pattern
Images Courtesy of Adriana Bertini (Flickr)

Colors
Bertini uses a wide range of vibrant colors to dye her lovely creations. Many of her designs require the use of a selection of hues for one particular color (ie red–dark red, light red,etc), adding an extra element of boldness to her fashion.

Ready to Wear?

The majority of the dresses for her collections are not meant to be worn either at all, or for recreational purposes. Consider the dresses like sculptural pieces, to be admired from afar because of the delicateness of the material.

Resources

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