20.12.12

Review / Exhibition

D - EVOLUTION

First world modern society has had a major impact on planet Earth. As time passes, our ‘disconnection’ with nature is increasingly changing our everyday life. I intend to design fashion garments that raise globalization awareness and our responsibilities towards the planet. I will do this by using photography as an inspirational tool to reveal the connection between our urban and natural environment, as well as using materials and techniques that cause as little impact on the earth as possible.



During last year I experimented with digital and traditional printing techniques which allowed me to recognise the various advantages and disadvantages of each method. Although digital printing doesn’t come with any waste, it can look too sterile, as it is without the possibility of ‘happy accidents’ caused by experimentation and can be very expensive. At this point both methods have their benefits and possibly I will apply a combination of both.



Generally, I would like to improve my skills in Photoshop which would increase my capabilities for the future by allowing me to work with other fields of design not just textile related projects. By using digital prints I can produce designs and establish my own company without the expense of setting up a full print studio from the very beginning.



I gather my source materials from charity shops and discarded second-hand items. ‘Upcycling’ is one of the most environmentally friendly ways of production, as it reduces textile waste, saves the water and energy used for the manufacture of raw materials, and supports a good cause. It is also cost effective, as I discovered during my research there is a real need for quality, affordable, sustainable clothing. There are several companies dealing in upcycled fashion by reconstructing existing pieces or putting existing patterned fabrics together. However, very few produce reprinted garments and those that do produce mostly T-shirts. In reported articles, the majority of consumers believe the only eco-friendly clothing currently available is organic cotton T-shirts which they found to be unfitted, rough to the touch, restricted in different styles and colours, and often described as ‘made for hippies’. I am looking for soft, plain materials such as silk, wool and cotton to print my designs onto and re-construct them into one-off fashion pieces. This allows me the opportunity to use unwanted domestic fabrics as well as clothing.



In my design work I combine elements of nature and the urban landscape which sets up a contrast further developed by using different styles and colour combinations. I would like to capture the hidden nature of flora in the urban landscape and encourage people to realise the beauty and energy of plants. With this message I aim to reconnect individuals with the nature that we are in danger of losing and to improve their mood and wellbeing.

Inspiration Boards



 Final Designs





 Next semester I will start experimenting with the second hand materials I found so far and also collect more of them. Can't wait to start producing actual fabric samples again. See you soon!

Design Process

Inspiration and a selection of drawings from my sketchbooks

Nature

I found this plant on my way to B&Q in a middle of a wasteland. Most of the people would probably walk pass without noticing the beautiful colours and the dynamic movement of the leaves. It inspired me to encourage people to realise the appearance of nature around us and take in its raw energy.





These are the tided up versions of my first drawings:




Studies of a real plant:







 Photoshop development:




 Urban landscape











Context research

 Upcycled, reconstracted



Highland Fairy based in Inverness. She reclaims and recycles fabrics to create one-off garments and accessories. Some of her dresses are great examples for upcycling.



Clever ways of reuse second hand clothing:



Vlisco's new collaction has nothing to do with upcycling but so inspirational in terms of using geometric shapes and colour.