"Aren't you glad to be a pansy" by Matthew Senior

Matthew Senior (BA Design) journeys through garment design to ask the question, how can the concept of masculinity be subverted? The project aims to perturb the standard of what it means to be masculine, and question the societal expectations that come with it.

A model wearing clothes and a hat that are white with black polka dots with a collar made from netting — Photographs by Aziz Azlan

A model wearing a blue silk oversized hat with a rosette

Matthew approached the project by considering what he would have wanted to see when he was young, when thinking about the man he wanted to become. He presents a collection that draws on queer voices and experiences from history. He explained, "What is so enticing and beautiful about the queer experience is that every perspective is different."

My project was rooted in the aim to subvert and challenge the way masculinity is presented within fashion. Throughout the project it developed to become a mash-up of historical and cultural influences, in a way that celebrated queer culture and expression.

Matthew Senior, BA Design

In total there are thirteen pieces, which are built into four looks, each inspired by a different masculine character or archetype. Through a collage or mashup of historical menswear, the garments transform into characters that parody machismo. The collection's title uses the slang term 'pansy', which is generally used disparagingly as a homophobic slur, but is here subverted.

A man sitting on a stack of tyres painted yellow outside a car wash wearing epaulettes and a military style hat, black and white skirt and heels. — Photograph by Milla Dytham

For Matthew, fashion is 鈥� like all art 鈥� subjective. He hopes that viewers of his collection will be able to relate their own experiences through his. "Even if it relates and connects to one person, I feel like it will have been worth it," he said.

I've gained a plethora of skills, patience, and a good knowledge of the inside of a sewing machine. I think this year has allowed me to become in touch with what I want to show as a designer, what matters to me and how my creative process becomes my own.

Matthew Senior, BA Design

The collection was designed and created by Matthew Senior, and displayed at the 2026 BA Design Degree Show. Images shot and edited by Milla Dytham and Aziz Azlan.