For this project, I wanted to create something new. Something challenging, highly conceptual, evocative and divisive. I wanted to create something that is at its core both Fashion and Art. I wanted step outside of the practical considerations I’d been working with for years whilst creating ready-to-wear and instead simply follow my designs through in a much more free way.

Although I did not set out with a particular inspirational source in mind, I had recently fallen in love with Craig Green’s work and I knew I wanted to make some sort of wearable structure. As my sketches and research developed the key theme I was thinking about in the Design process became Japanese Gardens. The resulting work is the sum of these two key sources.

The core concept for this project became the Garden. I intended to create feelings of balance, calm and tranquillity as well as explore visual depth through line. I wanted to make something which is soothing for the observer and positively transformative for the wearer. So much of the Design process was about balance, proportion, and weight. This was true in a literal sense for the structure itself, but also true for the chosen palette, textures and visual composition. When we move through a Garden we see everything through multiple angles. New lines emerge. I wanted this to be true for this work too.

The final ensemble consists of a two-piece dress with fitted bodice and flared skirt section. Worn over this dress is a bamboo frame onto which two large pieces of patterned fabric are suspended. A necklace was also made and added as the final detail. Elements of the dress were hand sewn and the bamboo frame was constructed in situ using Japanese Square Lashings.

There are a few people I would like to especially thank for their help and involvement in this project. Namely, Felicitas Fuchs, who created the photographs and film which embody the core concept of this project and have allowed this work to be shared, Ellie Noir, who modelled throughout the process at fittings and also at the final photo and film shoot, and Archibald Fox, who provided the wonderful music that soundtracks the films. You can find Felicitas’ work at www.felicitasfuchs.com and on instagram @felicitrix . You can find Ellie’s work at www.ellienoir.co . Special thanks also to Maria, Lan and Annie who provided me with both patient ears and good advices.

This project is dedicated to my Mum, Shân, who gave me my love and appreciation for Gardens.

Thanks for taking the time

Morgan - April ‘23