During my recent travels to the U.K., it became evident that the post-9/11 United States possesses a stronger sense of tension among cultures than other parts of the world. Inspired to create a collection derived from this anxiety, my designs merge the elegant drapes found in Middle Eastern clothing with sculptural shapes seen in historical knights’ armor. Juxtaposing the delicate and brave, quiet and bold, hard and soft through a variety of leathers, jersey knits, silk crepes, linens, and georgettes, I unveil how the misunderstood hide behind a wall of protection.