LIKE A GIRL
I collaborated closely on the concept, drawing inspiration from both stereotypical symbols of femininity and traditional sportswear. Blending elements like baby bows, soft and hot pinks, and flowy silhouettes with athletic cuts and materials, the pieces were created to challenge contrast — delicate yet powerful, playful yet commanding. Each look was designed to stand confidently on the field, celebrating the strength in femininity without ever compromising on style.
Look 1
The Jock Top
The top in this look was boldly inspired by the design and structure of a jockstrap — a garment traditionally worn by men to protect themselves during sports. While it functions to shield and conceal, I reimagined it through a feminine lens: as women, we’re not taught to protect ourselves openly, let alone take pride in that protection. This piece flips that narrative. By wearing our version outwardly and unapologetically, we’re saying that self-protection isn’t something to hide — it’s powerful, it’s intentional, and it’s beautiful. It’s not about toughness in spite of femininity; it’s about the strength that is femininity.
Project Credits:
Creative Direction + Styling: Emmalee Manis
Design: Amanda Villafaña + Emmalee Manis
Model: Eve Bridges
Photography: Bree
Videography: Soyner Martinez
Makeup: Amanda Villafaña
Like a Girl
"Like a Girl" is a bold and unapologetic visual exploration of femininity, strength, and resilience. This collaborative photoshoot challenges the age-old insults and backhanded comments directed at women — the ones that disguise limitation as humor: “You throw like a girl,” “You run like a girl.” For too long, these phrases have been used to belittle, to dismiss, and to confine. This project reclaims them.
Set against the backdrop of a sports field — a traditionally masculine and competitive space — we brought ultra-feminine silhouettes and aesthetics to the forefront. Think tulle, ruffles, lipstick, and heels. The visual language is hyper-feminine, yet the message is one of undeniable capability and defiance. We didn’t tone anything down; we leaned in.
The juxtaposition of delicate fashion and a rugged setting speaks to the core of the concept: women can — and do — show up powerfully, gracefully, and on their own terms. Whether in cleats or stilettos, women don’t just belong in these spaces — we dominate them.
This shoot is not just about subverting stereotypes. It’s a celebration. A statement. A reminder that doing something “like a girl” should never be seen as less than — it’s something to be proud of.
The Bubble Skirt
The skirt in this look was designed with commercial appeal in mind — a piece that balances concept with wearability. I wanted to create something that could live beyond the shoot, tapping into current trends while staying rooted in the narrative. The side stripes are a direct nod to athletic wear, echoing the lines of track pants and varsity gear, while the silhouette — a full, feminine skirt — grounds it in softness and versatility. It’s sporty, it’s stylish, and it’s a piece I can genuinely see people reaching for in real life.
The Bow Dress
The dress from this look was designed specifically with this shot in mind — a dramatic train flowing behind the runner, defying practicality in the most intentional way. It’s the kind of outfit no one would ever expect someone to run in, and that’s exactly the point. As women, we’re constantly told what we can’t do, what we shouldn’t wear, and what’s “realistic” — but we’ve never let that stop us. The exaggerated train symbolizes that defiance, while the added bows bring in a layer of texture and trend-driven appeal. Bows are everywhere right now, and incorporating them felt like the perfect way to merge conceptual drama with something undeniably current and marketable.
