Creative Design: Graduate

Afterlife

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Abstract

AfterLife is inspired by the indigenous wisdom of upcycling and frugality embedded in the utilitarian textiles and clothing of Japan, specifically the boro textiles and the kimono. Both these textiles are an assemblage of unique hand-sewn shapes and embedded stories. Emulating this, the double-layered outer garment in a single color, lightweight organza denotes the cover of a storybook through which the inner pure silk patchwork sheath is visible. Each patch represents a unique story that is hand-stitched together to form an anthology of collective lived experiences. Our aim was to create a sophisticated ensemble that appeals to a western audience while rejoicing its eastern influence. AfterLife is a wearable conceptual piece for women created by re-using material from a local store that would have otherwise ended up in a landfill. This project contributes to knowledge about how design choices can have a sustainable impact on the environment and people.

Keywords: sustainability, textiles, recycling

How to Cite:

Guria, S., Ashdown, S. P. & Chung, Y., (2019) “Afterlife”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 76(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.8846