Reminiscent of the posture caused by muscular stiffness, the silhouette of Stiff draws emphasis to the back and shoulders of the individual. As she pushes her back against the wall or experiences pressure on her back from another user, the energy generated activates an mp3 player and speaker integrated into the hood, which plays soothing and comforting (though often conflicting) messages.
Stiff encases the body, shielding it from outside stress. The padded hood blocks out peripheral vision and softens outside noises, leaving the user isolated and contemplative. When the back is massaged to relieve stress, or when the individual leans or pushes back against a wall, conflicting soothing messages are played back within the hood. The wearer sacrifices knowledge and experience of the world for a sense of certainty and security, surrendering control to their carapace in an effort to reduce social and personal anxiety.
The back of the dress includes a large backpack-like structure harnessed to the body, which contains three push-dynamos. The areas where the dynamos can be accessed are delineated by a cartographic embroidery pattern in green thread on the white leather. When pressure is applied to the back, either from being active pushing or more passive actions, power is generated. This power activates the custom circuit board, which controls an mp3 player and plays back pre-recorded sounds.
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