The motivation for this collection stemmed from the realization that lack of product information is a significant contributor to unsustainable consumption decisions. In response to this issue, this collection focuses on treating clothing as a graphic language, without external context, where garments function as symbols that could have an allocated meaning.
My research started with analyzing Gerd Arntz’s graphics for Isotype, a pictorial language, and the book “A Primer of Visual Literacy” which introduced the effects of fundamental visual principles such as contrast, shape, and color. During the application of those principles to clothing I realized posture is the most obvious inherent communication of a wearer and their clothes. Deliberately influencing the wearer’s body language with the cut of the garments thus became the most crucial principle of this collection.
While incorporating visual principles into this collection the notion of accessibility, wearability, and creation of identity occupied an equally important part. I tried to encompass a balance between familiarity, to increase access to my work, and novelty, to engage onlookers. Accordingly, I chose to work closely with archetypes with pre-existing values which served as templates for my exploration.
With sustainability at the core of this project, I explored the use of latex as a substitute for artificial, performative fabrics and to create organic, waste-free footwear. All fabrics for this collection were organic, donated from prior employers’ deadstock, or obtained through donations to the university. Each garment is constructed from a single fabric, resulting in a monochromatic, graphic silhouette. This deliberate choice of fabrication aims to enhance the figurative transparency of each garment, enabling easy categorization for consumers and facilitating recycling practices.
Engagement is achieved where familiarity and novelty meet.