Cara Despain

Plastocene Swimwear Line created by Miami-based artist Cara Despain intervenes in the problematics of clothing and fast fashion swimsuit industries. Using the body as a billboard for the destructive exploitation of the planet, labor, and single-use plastics, the suits feature original photographs of ocean trash and pollution that illustrate the consequences of consumer culture.

Made with Repreve fabric from recycled plastic bottles and locally produced, the suits are a challenge to luxury and leisure industry practices and a call to action. Available for purchase in a pop-up shop within the conference, and presented during a Trashion Show reminiscent Miami Swim Week, net proceeds will be donated to local marine conservation organizations. The work continues on with the end user who purchases the swimsuit, spreading the message as they wear it throughout the world and embodying an interventionist eco-tax.