In the 1980s, dysfunctional New York was a magnet for young people from all over America. People deliberately abandoned their studies, their homes, and normal living conditions, and, without money, created a new identity from what they had in order to become part of the clubbing bohemia.

In childhood, cartoons about Alice’s adventures in magical worlds were just strange, colorful stories. Today, they are perceived completely differently: as a metaphor for our own path. Alice is constantly running; everyone around her says there is no time, repeating that to get somewhere, you must not stop, or must run twice as fast as your limit, that there are only eight squares left to the finish line, and that you need to wipe away your tears and remember the path you’ve already covered.The story of the curious girl becomes a reminder: life is like a race with obstacles. To get through your chessboard or dark forest, you need to overcome difficulties swiftly.

In this project, I explore the paradox of fashion through the lens of financial constraints, addressing the idea of 'fake-it-till-you-make-it' and the absurdity of striving to create the appearance of a good financial standing through clothing. The images combine the luxury of the 1990s, everyday sportswear, and jokes about poverty. This combination reveals expensive items, clothing one can actually afford, and the gap between these two segments.