SKEUOMORPHIA

'Skeuomorphia' explores the evolution of form and function in fashion history, using a ceremonial armor from the Amsterdam Museum’s collection as its focal point. Once a symbol of power and protection, the armor has lost its original meaning, yet its form persists in new contexts, such as the 17th-century doublet, a precursor to the modern three-piece suit. The film delves into skeuomorphism—the re-use of old forms in new designs—and parallels it with deimatic behavior, a biological phenomenon where organisms appear more threatening than they are. Just as animals manipulate their appearance, humans use clothing to project wealth, intelligence, or status.

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For the film, the first 3D scans of metal in the Netherlands were created, digitally restoring the armor's lustre. These models serve as a foundation for visual techniques that invite viewers to focus on the shapes and details of the objects, offering deeper insight into their design elements. Through new lighting and manipulation of these digital models, a richer, more layered narrative emerges.

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Commissioned specifically for the exhibition Unboxing: Fashion from the Archives, 'Skeuomorphia' offers viewers a fresh perspective on adjacent artworks in the museum, rediscovering historical connections between art and fashion. The film provides a renewed lens through which to view history, highlighting the enduring influence of form and perception across time.

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The film was made together with designer Finn van Tol.