EXPOSING ACCENTUATION
This special occasion collection is inspired by different perspectives when viewing Brutalist architecture and exposing its complexities. The garments begin tailored and close to the body, then transform to become more sculptural as they move away from the body. As a detailed oriented, yet Avante-garde designer, my goal in Exposing Accentuation is to combine these contrasting themes of tailored and sculptural by integrating a fan-opening movement that slowly transcends between each look in a storylike way.
Mood & Inspiration
A closer look at a detailed showcase of all garment construction in a 2D portfolio spread including inspiration, illustrations, technical flats, and process for each garment can be found here:
Look 1 (left) and Look 2 (right)
Look 1 has a transformative center front detail in the top that flaps open to reveal the sparkly mesh texture inside the leather for a varied look. Featured at the side of the taffeta skirt, is a transformative fan pleat detail that can be worn in different ways. More photos below show the pleat detail closed, half-open, and fully open with the help of snaps and straps to secure the pleated silhouette.
Look 2 consists of an asymmetrical kimono top with fan pleated sleeves and an asymmetrical collar. The top is made of taffeta, whereas the pants are made of leather and a pre-pleated woven fabric.
Look 3
This look is fitted from the bodice to just about the hip area where the skirt begins to transform and move away from the body. The outer fabric is leather and taffeta whereas the lining is an organic pre-pleated textured fabric that peeks out from the inside layer of the back panel from the front and as she moves underneath the skirt. The taffeta is backed with a medium weight 809 Pellon interfacing to give it structure at the sides.
This look was selected to be photographed for Boston Fashion Week’s 2020 Graduate Shoot.
Photographer: Bob Packert
Stylist: Terri Mahn
Hair/Makeup: Noel McKinnon
Models: Maggie Inc. -Anna Patten
Model Liaison: Munjeet Geyer
Studio: ThreadTech/BASH Studios, Donielle Martorano-McKeever
Final Look
This is the most structured piece visually and physically and would conclude the concept story lineup of the collection as each of the garments are in their own way transforming into sculpture. The coat is backed with a heavy weight Pellon Peltex 71F Ultra Firm Stabilizer interfacing with 2 hook and eye buckles at the waist and an asymmetrical collar. The outer fabric is leather and the inner is taffeta. The jumpsuit has a more organic pre-pleated texture that brings back a pleated message as seen in the previous looks but in a different way. Shown below are various shots taken from Boston Fashion Week’s 2020 Graduate Shoot and personal shots of details such as a side view of the structure and closeup of the collar from the back.
This look was selected to be photographed for Boston Fashion Week’s 2020 Graduate Shoot.
Photographer: Bob Packert
Stylist: Terri Mahn
Hair/Makeup: Noel McKinnon
Models: Maggie Inc. -Anna Patten
Model Liaison: Munjeet Geyer
Studio: ThreadTech/BASH Studios, Donielle Martorano-McKeever
