3 Defining Themes
When I started this project, a key criteria was that whatever new material and manufacturing method was chosen, the result would still have the possibility of fulfilling the needs that we look for when selecting pieces/garments for our current wardrobe. I grouped those needs into three sections: spiritual; social/reflective; expressive.
Spiritual incorporates the influence of religions and beliefs in our choice of clothing.
Social / reflective considers how our social environment and the judgement of others reflects our choice of dress.
Functional. There is a common debate amongst fashion designers on form vs fashion. Which takes precedence over the other? Whichever your conclusion it must be said that each item of clothing must be functional, even if only functional in communicating a message. We are to understand it’s function and intent.
Themes
Spritual
Spirituality means something different to everyone. To some it could be an immortal being, the concept of an ultimate or an alleged immaterial reality, to others, an inner path enabling them to discover the essence of their being. Simply the feeling of being free to express our feelings or maintaining a set of values and meanings by which to live.
Social Imapct / Reflective
The mirror mask is the only piece of this project that is not 3D printed. The mirrored parts are a double sided, see-through, reflective acrylic. The message in this piece is that we judge, and are judged by what we see in ourselves. And visa versa. It also represents our need to hide and not participate in fashion or our surroundings. Therefore reflecting our surroundings in order to hide and be invisible.
Functional
The function of clothing: is to satisfy a person’s physiological and safety needs? (comfort and protection). Burns book ‘Changing Appearances’ discusses the satisfaction of needs and the approach to fashion adoption. Fashionable clothing as a functional product has its useful purposes to satisfy certain needs of the individual. The selection of wearing particular clothing can serve partially to satisfy these needs.
Spiritual
Social Impact / Reflective
Functional