History and art are my passions and in my latest collection for Fashion Design - a class at the Academy of Arts University - I got to explore both of these interests. Every fashion collection starts with inspiration. For my final project of the semester I chose the rapidly changing society in the 1920s Japan. I studied the history of the iconic kimono and researched the Western influences on Japan as it opened up to the world. And here we are - a collection that marries the tradition with the new!
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It's so great to learn about a topic and come across imagery that is inspiring and insightful. How great to find a photo of women walking down a street in a city in Japan ... women who share heritage yet express themselves in completely different ways! Seeing these images inspired me to combine the traditional kimono (e.g., in structured garments) with West-inspired fashions (e.g., in flowy dresses). Fashion can indeed be a fascinating window into a society's culture and changes it undergoes.
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As I gathered colorful images of Japanese art of the time (e.g., pottery, paintings, poster art) and researched the traditional ways of making fabrics, I became fascinated with pattern, texture, and color. As you can see, my collection is full of energy and lively textile combinations.
My collection honors Japan's heritage, yet it celebrates the social changes. It is a collection that draws on the past, yet it celebrates the present. Check out the complete collection presentation in my Portfolio!
My collection honors Japan's heritage, yet it celebrates the social changes. It is a collection that draws on the past, yet it celebrates the present. Check out the complete collection presentation in my Portfolio!
