Monologue איבערטראכטבארע מאָדע־קאָלעקציע

Press Kit

Unique Properties

The collection explores transformable garments that allow the wearer to quickly self-isolate. Embedded within the construction of the garments are lightweight, expandable spaces that are easy to access when privacy& protection are desired. A dress that transforms into a sleeping bag, jackets with built-in face coverings, and tops that expand into tents are integrated collection in calming monochrome fabrics. Within the expanded spaces are washes of psychologically soothing imagery.

Dimensions & Packaging

The collection consists of 5 looks in size 6.

Tags

transformative fashion, Wearable Sculpture, Monochrome, Interactive Designs, Prints Design

Production Technology

To provide stability and structure to the pop-up silhouettes, each garment is provided with different under fabric structures. I produced neoprene with fusible, double-bonded silk-wool blend, cotton twill fused with horsehair and batting, and wool fused with horsehair. In addition, I painted the lining prints with Gouache and set the patterns to on repeat in Photoshop. The final patterns are printed on silk crepe and poly charmuese.

Design Challenge

The main challenge of this collection is to fully realize its concept and transformations in fabrics. How could I effectively set up a personal space by myself, and where could I hide it in my garments so these spaces are portable. Precise measurements and accurate patterns are keys to ensure the stability of structures as well as smooth expansion and concealing of the pop-ups spaces. In addition to the construction, material choices are just as crucial. For Monologue, all the materials applied are materials only used for garments constructions which makes the collection very wearable. Varying different functions, the rigidness may change, therefore fabrics for each design are specifically engineered to sustain the function. Through several trial and errors, I have designed a series of fabric and support for each look.

Research

The strcutres of this collection referenced children's pop-up book, with beautifully rendered sceneries that draw the readers into its imaginative world, the collection aims to achieve the same effect - to transform the wearer into delicate and soothing narratives.

Expanding the garment is as one would with a book. The garments are engineered to expand effortlessly by the wearer. The collection is fully embedded with little surprises, emphasizing fashion is beyond garments.

Inspiration

Monologue examines humanity's need to protect itself from our Increasingly oppressive external environment; it maximizes the utilitarian function of clothing by providing portable safe spaces. Constructed using traditional tailoring techniques, each form draws
inspiration from engineering methods used in children’s pop-up books. Although it was not the initial impetus for Monologue, Covid-19 has highlighted the importance of isolation and distancing oneself from the world to regain stability.

Project Duration

Monologue started in June 2019 and was completed in August 2020. The collection is exhibited on "Here and Now," a digital celebration created by Parsons School of Design in collaboration with Solange’s Saint Heron.

Operation Flow

All designs in this collection are transformable into two looks minimum. The wearer can adjust the garments to fit one's emotional state accordingly. Depending on the level of privacy desired, the garments can be adjusted. Despited the seemingly experimental concept, the designs are fairly wearble due to the materials used are strictly tailoring materials.

Patents

Copyrights belong to Joyce Li, 2020.

Image Credits

Image #1: Photographer Sanko Chi, 2020.
Image #2: Photographer Alessandra Bonizzi, 2020.
Image #3: Photographer Alessandra Bonizzi, 2020.
Image #4: Photographer Alessandra Bonizzi, 2020.
Image #5: Photographer Alessandra Bonizzi, 2020.