Experimental methods of surface application including laser cutting, chemical dyes, digital printing, cinching with cords, and more:
Laser cut pattern designed using Adobe Illustrator and activated by hand using a laser cutting machine. Collaborating with the fabric drape and negative space results in a bouncy texture.
The final laser cut design which activated the black nylon fabric.
A look at the dress on the body.
Paired with a pair of flowing belted pants drafted as an exploration of woven pants without zippers.
A further exploration into cinching and surface application: the colors were dyed with chemical dyes and non-traditional Shibori dye technique. Shibori was activated, however, by pulling all drawstrings to close fabric tightly, and releasing the drawstrings to reveal un-dyed fabric.
The escalator dress using a staple fit-dress pattern, assisting in quicker exploration of handmade surface design. The simplicity of the dress allows for the focus to be on the print.
The image from my travels in Hong Kong which inspired the escalator dress.
This design which repeats only once on the final dress, was design in Adobe Illustrator and digital printed by hand. The design is heat set using a fabric steamer.
This cinched dress was developed with two yards of tubular fabric and drawstrings. It was designed to be "one size" yet look entirely unique on each figure. No fabric was cut away, only manipulated for armholes and neckline.
When fully cinched on a small frame, a pocked is created.
