For this project, I was tasked with designing a garment inspired by the 1940s while paying homage to the pop culture icon Ginger Rogers. My creative process combined multiple sources from the era, culminating in a cohesive design that celebrates the elegance and innovation of the decade. The final ensemble draws inspiration from three key elements of 1940s culture:
Although these inspirations might seem distinct, they come together seamlessly to create a timeless piece that honors both the cultural and industrial influences of the 1940s. Through this project I learned multiple valuable insights into garment crafting, including patience, precistion, pattern-making, and the importance of a fit sample. I was able to learn from prior mistakes and perfect the craftmenship it took to complete this garment that took over 30 hours to complete.
Modled by: Gillian Culhane
Shot by: Billie Huang
For this project, I designed a garment inspired by harm reduction initiatives aimed at mitigating heroin and opioid overdoses. The piece highlights strategies like providing sterile syringes, fentanyl test strips, and Narcan while conveying the physical and mental toll of addiction. Through its design, the garment educates viewers about the significance of harm reduction and the challenges faced by those struggling with addiction.
The design incorporates belts and a tightly laced corset to symbolize the constrictive grip of addiction, reflecting the feelings of entrapment and loss of control. Steel beads, spikes, and red beads represent needles and track marks, while dense denim and red fabric with black lines mimic the heaviness and vein damage caused by heroin use. Drawing inspiration from the film Trainspotting, the garment explores themes of relapse and the impact of inadequate support systems.
Meticulously constructed, the garment uses pleats to enhance structure and emphasize the body's curves, while hand-stitched embellishments evoke discomfort and constraint. Its black and red palette amplifies feelings of violence and anguish, creating a deliberately unsettling experience for both the wearer and observer. This project aims to foster empathy and awareness while advocating for the critical role of harm reduction strategies.
Through the research and garment construction process, I learned the importance of empathy, attention to detail, and storytelling in design. Researching harm reduction strategies deepened my understanding of addiction's complexities and the necessity of compassionate approaches to support those affected. Translating these concepts into a garment taught me how design can evoke emotion and spark conversation, emphasizing the power of fashion as a medium for social commentary. The construction process reinforced the value of precision and intention, as every element—from fabric choice to embellishments—had to align with the garment's narrative. This experience also highlighted how creative techniques, such as unconventional pleating and material manipulation, can communicate deeper meanings and elevate a design beyond aesthetics. Ultimately, this project strengthened my ability to merge research with craftsmanship, creating pieces that are both impactful and purposeful.
Modled by: Gillian Culhane
Shot by: Billie Huang
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