Deconstruct Reconstruct | Mannequin Work

Using the collection of garments I brought in, I started pinning, rolling and layering each item onto the mannequin. Using legs as sleeves, collars and added interest. Fastenings as necklines, detail and shoulders. Arms as collars and seam lines, and so on. Each item I made sure I worked with in at least 3 different ways, to produce as many good outcomes as I could.

When working on these in my sketchbook I decided to take inspiration from the collages and work onto different media, layering and drawing into each design. Sometimes designing straight from the mannequin, including some observational drawings alongside illustrations and shape tracing. This generated many more ideas on shape and silhouette, as well as which materials worked well in cohesion and what details and features of each fabrics were strongest. 

I found the more structured clothing like the suit trousers worked really well against the soft materials of the poloneck. The details on the fastenings of the suit trousers produced some really interesting shapes, and mixing these with the rolled up sleeves or collar produced from the top created some great contrasts. I wasn't so keen on the manipulation of the jeans, as it was more a fabrication than a new garment. Reviewing my experiments, I felt I pushed each item and produced some interesting garments. 

I feel this project doesn't need a 'concept' title as such, but instead I am going to remain free with how I work and the ideas produced. I shall continue to develop each aspect, through designing and mannequin work. Without an individual title, the garment will show a clear development from how each item began.