Natural Beauty Collection
Intoduction
What does it means to be beautiful? Beauty is not a one size fits all term but in fashion it can be defined by the colors, structure, textures, etc in a garment.
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Personally, I believe beauty is a combination of factors. The way a fiery red silk skirt might drape, or the soft transparency of a baby pleated tulle corset, both these depictions reflect natural beauty. I say the word "natural" because these examples highlight the unique characteristics of the fabric: silk is natural shiny and drapes effortlessly while tulle is thin and slightly transparent allowing it to be layered to create a gradient effect. When these unique traits are emphasize in ways that complement each other, the garment can be thought of as naturally beautiful.
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In my collection, I opted to challenge myself and prove that even a paper bag has beauty. Beige, rectangular, and typically disregarded, paper bags are used as a base to carry items of higher value such as groceries or drawings. But when they are not overlooked, you realize that paper bags posses unique characteristics different from other mediums like fabric. It can be folded, intricately cut, and manipulated into structures that even the stiffest fabric can't hold. So through out my collection, look for the 3d cut out detailing, layering, and folding that my dresses display, look for the paper bag's natural beauty.
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Another concept I wanted this collection to emphasize is that trash is not always trash. Paper bags for instance can have a higher value. It can be crafted to have a new function. I wanted viewers to understand that people and objects are not always defined by their existing purpose rather they can be defined in a new way that complements their unique qualities.
Collection Pieces
This collection is still in the process but currently features two looks.
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The inspiration for this collection came from flowers and Chinese origami or paper cutting. I always loved how intricate and dimensions Chinese paper cutting was. The tiny details and elegant depictions of images excited me. It made me realize that paper did not have to be 2D.
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So when it came time to cut out the pieces, I decided to cut floral designs. Since paper bags are made from trees, I felt obligated to connect my garment to nature. So I cut various vines, flowers, and leafs and then folded them up so the petals would be 3D and hold their shape.
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Most the collection also features lots of layering and paneling or ruffles that resemble flower petals
This two piece set features a ruffled and layered skirt as well as a lace up bodice.
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This look is also a two piece set but features a maxi skirt with layering and a bandeau top that is still in the works.
Process
Sketches
Every look starts with a sketch. This is how I brainstorm ideas and visualize how they play out. I choose my favorites to make.
Stablizing
To ensure the paper bags would not tear, I lined the inside with packaging tape to strengthen the paper.
Draping
To turn a sketch into pattern pieces, I first use red string to drape the shape of the garment and then use fabric to drap patterns.
Forming the garment
I then taped together the edges of my pattern pieces where they align to form the garment. I though tape would look cleaning compared to sewing.
Pattern Pieces
With the fabric pieces, I trace them on pattern paper with seam allowance on certain edges and then cut the pieces out of the paper bags.
3D detailing
Finally using an exacto knife, cut out floral designs and folded them up to give dimension.
Scarlette Magazines x Paper Bag Cronicals Photoshoot
Scarlette Magazines is Ohio State Universitie's premier fashion magazine. The magazine comes out with seasonal issues and include articles that discuss a variety of fashion related stories.
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In spring of 2024, Scarlette Magazines teamed up with The Paper Bag Chronicles which is a non profit that encourages self confidence in women. They teamed up with Scarlette Magazines to do a photoshoot and article and invite 3 designers to create looks out of paper bags.
As one of the 3 designers, I was asked to create a dress out of paper bags. The dress was then apart of the photoshoot and the models were interviewed and asked "Can you rock a paper bag?". This question is essentially asking "Can you find beauty in even the blandest objects". And the emphasis of self confidence is that women can rock and find beauty in anything along as they are confident in themselves.
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Click the link to read more about the photoshoot and my design.
