My second fashion show, "The Future of Fashion Runway Show," held at the Smithsonian Arts + Industries Building, was a prestigious collaboration between the Smithsonian and HBO. This event showcased innovative and aesthetically groundbreaking designs by rising stars from around the globe.
Iris Van Herpen, a constant source of inspiration for my work with her embrace of technological advancements, heavily influenced my approach. Like her, I'm naturally drawn to exploring "the new" – new materials, processes, software, and technologies. While Van Herpen utilizes 3D printing, I opted for a different path for this project. I sought a moldable yet rigid material and discovered a unique, flexible acrylic that perfectly fit my needs.
Staying true to my signature style, I incorporated guilloche patterns, meticulously tailored to the models' bodies, directly onto the garment patterns. Thermoforming was then employed to manipulate the pieces into three-dimensional shapes. These shapes were subsequently laser-cut to create intricate guilloche details, followed by dyeing for a final touch.
To achieve an ethereal, floating effect, most pieces were strategically adhered using body-safe adhesives. The folds in the plastic, accentuate forms and bends within the pieces, further accentuated the garments' exceptional dimensionality.
Regarding the final piece: The image doesn't fully capture its complexity. The bralet wraps around the back, hinting of a closure which isn’t present. The plastic then folds back, creating a prominent extension behind the arms, reminiscent of an obi bow on a kimono.
A Glimpse into the Future: This project embodies my vision for the future of fashion – a fusion of innovative materials, techniques, and design that pushes boundaries and creates truly captivating garments.
