Creative Design: Professional

The Art of Repairing Me

---

Abstract

Menopause, a universal yet marginalized life transition that affects women’s physical, emotional, and social well-being, often accompanied by stigma, silence, and medical dismissal. While recent media attention has increased visibility—particularly around vasomotor symptoms—menopause encompasses a far broader, multifaceted experience that can significantly reduce quality of life and productivity. This garment design confronts that silence by translating lived menopause experiences into a visual and material narrative. Drawing inspiration from the Japanese art of kintsugi, the piece symbolizes fracture, repair, and resilience through visible gold stitching, exposed zippers, and asymmetrical construction. Classic princess lines accommodate midlife body changes, while custom inserts and laser-etched flounces incorporate words derived from over 600 menopause support group comments, embedding collective voices directly into the garment. Constructed from indigo denim with gold accents, the design merges personal transformation with communal storytelling. Ultimately, the work reframes menopause as a powerful, transformative process, advocating awareness, recognition, and dignity.

Keywords: menopause, kintsugi, health awareness, laser etch, storytelling

How to Cite:

Michaelson, D. M., (2025) “The Art of Repairing Me”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 82(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.21944