Exploration is Innovation

For this project, I was tasked to reinvent the quintessential white button-down shirt. But when given such a daunting task, where do I start? 

I know there are key elements that make up a button down shirt: the collar, various plackets, cuffs. Without these components, the design would not be a button down shirt. So, with color not an option to design into I designed into the details. 

Inspired by Modern Architecture, I explored various placements, sizes, and shapes of traditional white shirt elements, while using volume, negative space, and asymmetry to add interest.

From my initial sketches, I chose to create my last sketch. A sleeveless, asymmetric hem button down, with two plackets: one across the bodice and another at the shoulder seam, a collar at the armhole, and a sculptural collar at the neckline. It also includes gathers around the body to add visual interest.

With added details of top-stitching and puckering it helps me to see how my finished sewn garment will look.

For this project I had  to explore non-traditional style line placement and design development, with a chosen concept. 

When approaching this assignment, I looked to style line inspiration around me, the most prevalent being nature. There are so many places to draw influence from, but living by the ocean, I found inspiration in the natural landscape of coastal regions.

Delving into the different marine facets of inspiration like shells, organisms, and driftwood, I came across arial views of coastlines and bodies of water, which was the main inspiration for my collection showcased in my "naturalist's handbook."

From here I did multiple explorations in CLO, experimenting with the organic style lines that I found through my research and seeing how they react to different manipulations

After I felt confident in my direction, I started creating my final garment. Playing around with the possible idea of including knit, but ultimately creating  a dress made from naturally dyed cotton gauze.