Inspired by Mr. Blackwell
The final for my first draping class was a collaboration with the textile design class to create a Blackwell-inspired look.
Initially, I was excited about the idea that textile designer Jewels Trujillo and I had come up with. But our design was vetoed by our professor. So for the rest of the project, I obstinately created a design I thought was ugly to its core.
The self-fabric of this look is the color that comes to mind when I think of the word “ugly.” In true Blackwell fashion, I was surprised to hear feedback that the dress ended up suspiciously intriguing and confusedly beautiful.
“Art is never finished, only abandoned.” -Leonardo DaVinci
Though I put a lot of effort into clean construction of the first “final draft” of this gown, my professor, Kevin Kissell, challenged me to add more of the printed fabric that Jewels had designed.
Over the summer, I added loose, dynamic details, giving the garment more substance (as shown to the right.) I think the added fabric gives the dress a river weed-like effect. (See the images below for process work.)
