Connections
The project objective was to create a cohesive fashion collection inspired by architecture, focusing on structure, functionality, and visual appeal. During the creation of this project, I broke my dominant wrist, which led me to explore non-traditional methods. This obstacle pushed me to think in new ways. With limited mobility, I hand-drew my sketches using my non-dominant hand, forcing me to approach design differently. Since I couldn’t sew at the time, I turned to knit structures as a comfortable and practical solution. The final collection embodies unity, showcasing how garments are connected both aesthetically and structurally.
Research
I began my research with architecture, focusing on how structures are connected and built. I explored a range of buildings, from historic to modern, and observed how some appeared seamless—like the one in the photo on the right—while others had visible seams and joining points. This idea of connection led me to think beyond architecture, exploring how different things in the world are structured. That’s when I turned to the human skeletal system—a natural form of architecture that fascinated me, especially as I navigated this project with a broken arm.
The themes I took away from my research are seamless vs. structured design, and organic vs. rigid connections.
Mood Board 1
This collage explores the themes of structure and regrowth through architectural, anatomical, and organic imagery. The left side highlights stability with rigid forms, skeletal frameworks, and geometric surfaces while radiating lines reinforce construction and support. On the right, regrowth is depicted through spinal imagery, skeletal fragments, and organic shapes, symbolizing adaptation and healing. The juxtaposition of rigid and fluid elements creates a visual dialogue on transformation and reconstruction.
Mood Board 2
This collage explores the themes of connection, strength, and space through architectural and organic forms. A blend of futuristic structures, fabric-like textures, and skeletal elements illustrates how design can merge flexibility with stability. The central figure, dressed in an avant-garde outfit, reinforces the interplay between structure and the body. Flowing curves, intricate layering, and radiating lines emphasize movement and cohesion, symbolizing the balance between space and form.
Final Mood Board
This mood board explores structure, connection, and regrowth through architecture, anatomy, and fashion. Organic architectural forms, skeletal imagery, and futuristic fashion symbolize strength, resilience, and innovation, blending rigid and fluid elements to convey adaptability. (fun fact: the x-ray image in this mood board is my broken arm!)
Sketches
Sketching with my non-dominant hand pushed me to think differently. My designs combine soft knit structures with rigid elements like wire, emphasizing garment connections without traditional sewing.
Final Looks
This collage explores the themes of connection, strength, and space through architectural and organic forms. A blend of futuristic structures, fabric-like textures, and skeletal elements illustrates how design can merge flexibility with stability. The central figure, dressed in an avant-garde outfit, reinforces the interplay between structure and the body. Flowing curves, intricate layering, and radiating lines emphasize movement and cohesion, symbolizing the balance between space and form.
Materials
In this collection, I will be using a combination of soft and structured materials such as knits, denim, and silk.
The combination of the soft and structured materials reflects the ideas of masculinity vs. femininity. Typically, something that is masculine may be considered tough, hard, and sturdy, while something that would be considered feminine may be considered soft, light, and airy.
Reflecting on the concept of human vs. nature, I wanted to show this through the material. The silk material I am using is naturally dyed with Rust. Rust-dyed fabric embodies the constant negotiation between human ingenuity, the limitations of our control, and the inescapable forces of nature. It asks questions about creation, impermanence, and the consequences of human interaction with the natural world.
Process
Reflecting on my reality and what Is important to me, I wanted to look into knitwear and streetwear.
I began researching Knitwear and its importance now. I learned how people are looking for comfort, especially after covid, in their environments and in their everyday lives. Adding texture allows for more to engage in their surroundings, and knitwear does a great job of this.
When researching streetwear, I learned how oversized dressing is very popular, and will continue to be. Relating back to knitwear, people are looking for comfort. Streetwear adds a bit of flare and style to an oversized look.
When engaging in trend research, I considered these two aspects.
Process Garment
Reflecting on my reality and what Is important to me, I wanted to look into knitwear and streetwear.
I began researching Knitwear and its importance now. I learned how people are looking for comfort, especially after covid, in their environments and in their everyday lives. Adding texture allows for more to engage in their surroundings, and knitwear does a great job of this.
When researching streetwear, I learned how oversized dressing is very popular, and will continue to be. Relating back to knitwear, people are looking for comfort. Streetwear adds a bit of flare and style to an oversized look.
When engaging in trend research, I considered these two aspects.
Prototyping
This collage explores the themes of connection, strength, and space through architectural and organic forms. A blend of futuristic structures, fabric-like textures, and skeletal elements illustrates how design can merge flexibility with stability. The central figure, dressed in an avant-garde outfit, reinforces the interplay between structure and the body. Flowing curves, intricate layering, and radiating lines emphasize movement and cohesion, symbolizing the balance between space and form.
