Week 1
This week, Mr. Daniel briefed us on the MIB for Fashion Project 2, focusing on our collaboration with Converse. The main task is to design two full sets of pre sports street style outfits, each consisting of a jacket, an inner piece, and a bottom. Before designing, everyone must begin by draping with Converse shoes. We were asked to take several pairs of old Converse shoes, disinfect them, fully deconstruct them, and use the materials to drape on the mannequin. This hands-on exploration helps us understand structure, form, and how the Converse identity can be interpret into outfit. The only struggle was the condition of the shoes they were extremely dirty, and I had to wash them three times with dettol just to get rid of the dirt.
We also had to choose a subject matter to inspire our designs. I initially choose graffiti art, attracted to its raw energy and bold visual rhythm. This theme felt suitable for streetwear and it aligned naturally with Converse’s rebellious energy.
Week 2
This week, Mr. Daniel demonstrated how to sketch our initial design ideas. Our task is to produce 60 initial design sketches, which is quite intense. I also started my draping using the deconstructed Converse shoes. Manipulating the shoe canvas, shoelaces helped me think more creatively about textures and shapes.
Week 3
I completed all of my draping pieces this week. With the drapes done, I began compiling it for futher steps into the initial sketch ideas. Seeing the drapes together gave me a little clearer direction for silhouette development and how the Converse materials can influence the structure of my designs.
Week 4
This week, I attempted to start sketching digitally, but I got stuck with interpreting my drapes into clear design ideas. Mr. Daniel guided me by helping interpret the drapes manually, which made the process much easier. Following his approach, I switched to manual sketching and managed to produce 10 initial sketches, which helped me regain clarity.
Week 5
Mr. Daniel reviewed my subject matter research and pointed out that I had too many concepts mixed together underground clubs, 80s American pre-sport, and graffiti art. He advised me to narrow it down to one strong theme. After reconsidering, I chose underground club culture, specifically CBGB, because it has a strong connection to subculture, raw creativity, and rebellion elements that match Converse’s energy. I now need to develop it deeper and research on how it influences my design direction.
Week 6
This week, I went fabric hunting to support the material development for my designs. I searched for leather and plaid fabrics, which relate to the underground punk aesthetic found in CBGB’s history. Exploring fabric options helped me understand how these textures might work with the silhouettes I’m developing.