Society for Rational Dress is often mistakenly perceived as a conceptual label. More cerebral than celebrity-crazy, SfRD is intrigued by the way cultures define what constitutes appropriate and logical clothing. The work is an industrial craft rather than avant-garde art. The concept behind the label is that impractical, and therefore irrational, to over determine the shape of the garment made in multiples with no particular person in mind.

SfRD is designer Corinne Grassini’s tribute to a group of 19th century London women who opposed the restrictive, body-deforming undergarments imposed to them by the social norms of their time and place. It is true that a background in sociology and psychology informs her uncommon approach to fashion. But her designs are based on things that are palpable, not on abstract ideas. After studying advanced patternmaking at central St Martin’s, Grassini started her label in LA by making shoes, each one by hand, from a trace drawing of the foot that would walk in it. Then came clothing and jewelry.

Leather is still an intregal element of each collection. The physical toughness of it – once punctured and fastened, the material cannot be reused. This forces a degree of rigor on her designs, which are often described as stark or minimal. On the other hand the sturdy , adjustable leather straps allow customers to continue the creative process by reconfiguring the soft flowing garmets to fit their various bodies and personalities. This is what Grassini hopes people will do with Society for Rational Dress.