SLIAB

     Occasionally, when defining which direction to take a design project in, I will focus on creating a fictional character. I imagine their personality, their lifestyle, and their environment. Once I have a strong sense of who they are and what their life is like, the entire process becomes an attempt to answer the question “What clothes would this person wear?”. Syd is such a character and this project became all about creating garments which they would love.

        The work was inspired visually by Mid-Century Modern Architecture and Furniture Design. Structurally I focussed on utilising the construction techniques I used to teach as a Pattern Cutting tutor.  Fabric used for the final garments consisted of two lengths of vintage mid-weight loose weave houndstooth gifted to me by my Nain (that’s Welsh for Grandma) and Aunty. I had wanted to use these materials for a long time and, as I felt Syd would love them, the time felt right to do so.

       Shown here is the final work consisting of two outfits presented through Editorial Photography. Outfit one is a single piece symmetrically cut bat wing dress, cut from blue and black houndstooth. Outfit two is a co-ord consisting of a low cut yoked skirt with both inverted and box pleating paired with a dartless wide shouldered top, both cut from green and black houndstooth. As I wanted to give insight into the creative process of this project, I have also included images of the skirt’s development through technical drawing, draping, toile, and fittings.

      Huge thanks to the team who helped me bring this project into being and thank you reader for your interest, MJ

TEAM CREDITS

Felicitas Fuchs
Photoshoot and Fitting Sessions Photography
@felicitrix

Gayaneh Lara
Photoshoot and Fitting Sessions Model
@gayanehlara

Anna Nguyenova
Photoshoot Hair and Makeup Artist
@haan_mua

Andreea Ungureanu
Photoshoot Assistant to Designer
@whynot.andreea

Marlena Stam
Photoshoot Assistant to Photographer
@lenalieff