Unseen Images: First place

The competition's winner is the University of Salford's Aideen Edwards with her piece titled 'Microbial Luxury: A Dress Inspired by the Secret World of Microorganisms'.

"I created a dress to symbolise an environment where microorganisms thrive. A dress serves as a blank canvas, representing the complexity of microbes while embodying their invisibility. I chose to emphasise their pigments, challenging traditional concepts of beauty by suggesting that luxury can be found in hidden ecosystems beneath the surface.

"The dress's patterns and layers reflect how microbiomes adapt to environmental pressures, constantly moulding to their surroundings. For example, I designed a chest area to represent Aspergillus, a lung-infecting fungus, by recreating its circular growth. For bacteria, I used patterns inspired by Brucellosis, incorporating vibrant colours to reflect the bacteria's vivid appearance.

"I also added enlarged, colourful butterflies at the top of the dress to represent the unexpected microbial community within their body. This inclusion connects microorganisms like fungi and bacteria with beauty, challenging conventional ideas of elegance. Butterflies, often associated with beauty, are used here to highlight the hidden microbial ecosystems that can also be seen as luxurious and intricate. Through this design, I aim to celebrate the unseen complexity and beauty of microorganisms." - Aideen Edwards