Participatory fashion touch performance catwalk

Opening performance: 13:00

Walk-in participatory performance: 13:00 - 18:00

With INNERSKIN, internationally renowned fashion designer Sander Bos and acclaimed artist Neoza Goffin are joining forces. The project is a participatory performance featuring five performers in a public space, exploring the relationship between fashion and touch.

On Saturday, September 28, 2024, the public, from art enthusiasts to curious passersby, will be invited to participate in this special event at the Grote Markt in Antwerp. Attendees will have the opportunity to tactilely explore the fashion worn by the performers. The costumes, designed by Sander Bos, feature various textures that lend themselves to a ritual of touch. The focus on touch is enhanced by the use of headphones and blindfolds. To further engage the public’s tactile experience, the costumes will also be spread out on the ground, where they will serve as seating.

Why is touch central to this art and fashion project? “With INNERSKIN, we want to raise awareness of the power and potential of the combination of fashion and touch,” say Bos and Goffin.

The fashion designer and artist/photographer aim to emphasize the positive effects of clothing and our tactile experience with it. Looking at yourself in the mirror in a beautiful outfit or comforting yourself with your favorite sweater stimulates the production of oxytocin. Becoming aware of these moments even enhances this effect.

What is oxytocin? This hormone plays a crucial role in social interactions, trust, and attachment. Known as the "cuddle hormone," it promotes positive social interactions and emotional connections. Physical contact, such as hugging or holding hands, increases the release of oxytocin.

“In our busy, individualistic, and increasingly digitized society, social contact has diminished, and touch is often taboo,” say Bos and Goffin. “The Covid-19 pandemic has further exacerbated this situation. Fortunately, oxytocin can also be triggered by self-love and sensory experiences, such as feeling soft fabrics on the skin.”

This project is in collaboration with 0090 and funded by the “New Makers” grant from the city of Antwerp.**

**ABOUT NEOZA GOFFIN**

Neoza Goffin brings you into a colorful world that overcomes taboos and opens playful conversations about touch, intimacy, and body positivity. Her tactile universe has already been showcased at prestigious locations such as UNSEEN Amsterdam, ImageNation New York & Paris, Fotobiennale Oostende, Ten Bogaerde Koksijde, and the Biennale of Women in Art Brussels.

**ABOUT SANDER BOS**

Sander Bos is an alumnus of the Fashion Academy in Antwerp. He gained global recognition through his participation in the American television show ‘Making The Cut,’ broadcast on Amazon Prime Video. Since his graduation in 2017, his growing fashion house, ‘Miss Bos,’ has reflected modern art through clothing.

**PRACTICAL INFORMATION**

Project: INNERSKIN
By: Sander Bos and Neoza Goffin
When: September 28, 2024 | 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Where: Handschoenmarkt Antwerp
Contact:
Sander Bos: [email protected]
Neoza Goffin: [email protected]
Instagram:
@neozagoffin
@sanderbosofficial

MORE: https://neozagoffin.com/innerskin/

Host or Publisher Neoza Goffin - Lilac Queendom