Lisa Criaco

The Pressure by Lisa Criaco draws from grief and personal transformation, channelling loss through the metaphor of deep-sea diving, a reference to her late father, who was a diver. The ocean becomes a space of descent, pressure, and introspection, while tailoring enters as its counterforce: structure, precision, and discipline as a search for order in the aftermath of emotional upheaval. Silhouettes draw from classic diving suits, with metal buttons echoing traditional diving helmets, waterproof zippers, and deliberately placed seams reinforcing the underwater narrative. A predominantly dark palette evokes weight and hardship, punctuated by moments of colour and a single white look that introduce clarity and renewal. Rubber, inflatable materials, and technical fabrics are combined with natural fibres, creating a dialogue between innovation and the organic. The Pressure is a collection about navigating the depths, and the long, careful work of resurfacing.