Veil and Skin
Fashion Designer: Raffaela Dunic
1. What significant life experiences or events have influenced and shaped your artistic vision?
A lot of it comes from witnessing inequality, both in my own life and through the experiences of my family. My parents grew up in difficult conditions and have always worked hard to give their children a better future. I've also seen extreme poverty and harsh injustice within my extended family, especially in countries that are less developed. These experiences shaped the way I see the world. They pushed me to step outside of my own bubble and to develop more empathy. I want my work to reflect that. To use fashion to express difficult, often uncomfortable societal topics in a way that's honest and raw.
2. Collaboration often sparks fresh creativity. Can you share an example of a collaboration that led to an unexpected and exciting artistic outcome?
Working with Viktoriya Zayika on *Veil and Skin* was one of those moments. I didn't have a fixed vision. I just shared the concept with her, and we played some dramatic music to get into the mood. Her intuition and style brought something haunting and powerful to the images. Huge shoutout to her. It reminded me that letting go of control can lead to something really unexpected and beautiful.
3. Walk us through a specific project that challenged your creative boundaries. How did you approach it, and what did you learn from the experience?
My first semester project was actually my first time sewing ever-and it went terribly. The results were rough, and I was told I should consider studying something else. I felt hopeless at the time. But I didn't stop. I kept practicing, making mistakes, and learning from them. Eventually, things started to click, and I got some really encouraging feedback. That experience taught me that growth often comes from failure. If something truly fuels you, don't let go of it, just keep going. People will recognize your dedication in time.
4. In the ever-evolving art world, what do you believe sets your work apart and makes it unique or groundbreaking?
The way I see it, nobody else has lived your life or seen the world through your eyes. That alone makes what you create unique. My perspective, shaped by personal, cultural, and emotional experiences can't be replicated by anyone else. That's something I try to hold onto and express through my work.
5. As you reflect on your journey, are there any specific goals or milestones you've set for your artistic career in the coming years?
Right now, my main goal is to be as expressive and honest as possible while I study. I see this as a rare time when I have total freedom to explore who I am and what I want to say through design. I want to stay devoted to the process, push myself creatively, and use this time to grow without limitations.
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Breaking Free from Purity Culture and Gender Doctrine
In strict religious environments, gender is not just a role — it is a sentence. Women are expected to be silent, submissive, and obedient.
Independence is framed as rebellion; desire, as sin. Leadership roles are reserved for men alone, while women are praised for their modesty, chastity, and ability to disappear into expectation.
Purity culture runs deep. The body becomes a battleground, where every gesture, thought, and inch of skin is policed. The result is not just a covered body, but a veiled mind.
The concept behind “Veil and Skin” explores this duality:
Veil as the symbol of suppression — the silencing and spiritual covering of women
Skin as defiance — exposed, powerful, unapologetic. It’s about reclaiming identity, voice, and body from a system designed to shame and erase.
Women can be loud. Provocative. Unruly. And free.
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Fashion Designer: Raffaela Dunic
Photographer: Viktoriya Zayika
Model: Donia Benaoun
Model: Paula Fröhlich
Makeup Artist: Seval Karatepe
Assistance and Support: Florian Kirchhammer
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shoes: french connection
customized by Raffaela Dunic
look by Raffaela Dunic
jewerelly: vintage
shoes: mod.dep.