What Were You Wearing Installation

“What Were You Wearing?” is an art installation based on survivor descriptions of the clothes they were wearing during their sexual assault. To learn more about the history and intent of the installation, download the informational handout HERE. The poem that inspired the first “What Were You Wearing?” installation can be found HERE.

Content Warning: This installation contains descriptions of gender based violence. Please utilize self-care as needed and contact Fresno State’s Survivor Advocate for support HERE

“Sweats, a university shirt, and a ball cap. We were just going to be hanging out as usual, drinking and watching a movie. I drank way too much and woke up with him on top of me.” - Outfit inspired by a university student
“A swimsuit. We had been canoeing at the river all day. It had been a really fun time. Then they came into my tent when I was trying to change clothes.” -Outfit inspired by a university student
“I was wearing a sari. The same thing I wear most days. It was what I was comfortable in. It reminded me of home, of my family, of my identity. Now it reminds me of him.” -Outfit inspired by a university student

“Jeans and an oversized tie dye shirt. She was like a sister to me. There had never been anything like that between us. Then it was like a switch flipped in her and all of a sudden what I wanted didn’t matter.” -Outfit inspired by a university student
“Army ACU’s and I was carrying a gun. So much for that preventing anything.” -Outfit inspired by a university student
“Running shorts and a tank top. I swung by his place on the way back from my run. He kept saying how hot I looked and I kept making excuses to leave. He wouldn’t let me go.” -Outfit inspired by a university student

“Black dress pants and a white shirt. I was getting ready to go to work, he started being flirty in the bathroom. When I nudged him away and told him I didn’t have time right now, it got out of hand really fast.” -Outfit inspired by a university student
“A black skirt and red sweater. They were my roommate’s; she let me borrow them for my date. I was so excited, I really liked him. I thought he was a nice guy. But when I said to slow down and cried, he didn’t stop.” -Outfit inspired by a university student
“My prom dress. Don’t know if that needs much more explanation…” -Outfit inspired by a university student

“White t-shirt and black basketball shorts. It was always the same outfit. It was always after rec center league. I trusted him. My mom trusted him.” -Outfit inspired by a university student
“A fun pop art comic print mini-skater dress and black combat boots. I dressed up that day because I felt good about myself. The next time it was reversible shorts that were forced aside.” -Outfit inspired by a university student
“(1) Jeans and a t-shirt at 18 years old. (2) Children’s dress by my cousin’s father at 5 years old. (3) Dress - I thought I was safe with a woman but woke to her raping me, too.”- Outfit inspired by a university student

“My lifeguard uniform. She said, guys can’t be raped. She didn’t stop.”- Outfit inspired by a university student
“My work uniform. A red t-shirt, black leggings, and converse. They were wearing the same thing just with cargo shorts, they were my supervisor.”- Outfit inspired by a university student