Wild Things: A Collection of Handwoven Couture

Abstract

In this work, a hand-woven fashion collection is designed. The aim is to create clothes that connect us with life and nature and make us feel that we are part of a vibrant surrounding. Following the idea of clothes as a social mean to connect to one’s environment, this work examines several concepts and techniques that already incorporate certain aspects of connectedness and directness. A particular interest lies in how the form of clothes can relate to the way they are made and the tools that are used – with focus on the weaving technique. Historical and cultural sources, as well as contemporary design research are consulted, that show how the form and material of clothing are developed simultaneously instead of separately. Throughout the process of this work, I want to practically explore the following questions: How can the process of making become tangible in the outcome? How can the way of making become a tool for artistic expression? This work aims to find practical answers to these questions in form of woven clothes. Weaving techniques are applied to the design of the garments. Tapestry techniques are used in order to create vertical slits/ openings for body parts. Garment forms are developed by experimenting with rectangular shaping/ block pattern making. The result is a collection of seven unique wearable pieces. They are one-of-a-kind luxury clothes, couture so to speak, made using different materials and woven structures on different types of looms. Last but not least the row of garments represent and show my learning process and adaption to a new way of working, a different way of designing and making clothes.