For a project in my flat pattern design class in Textiles and Apparel, Spring 2017, I designed two day-to-night looks, created the paper pattern for both, and fully constructed one desgin in fabric. Inspired by lighting at concerts and clubs, as well as the incredible energy of fans at South Korean music concerts, I focused my desgins around integrating EL wire. My collection is a perfect example of engineering-driven design; the dress shows off the lighting technology without sacrificing the lines of the design.
My design made top 10 finalists of the School of Human Ecology (SOHE) Director's Design Challenge and walked the runway at UT's Annual Fashion Show: Synthesis. The dress made another appearance at the University Fashion Group's After Party.
Illuminate Collection
My display board shown in the exhibition room of the UT Annual Fashion Show: Synthesis showed my two designs
Personal Comments
As my first venture into realizing an integration between technology and fashion, I learned much from creating my dress. I am incredibly proud of my work, because it is truely unique and well-recieved. However, if I could create this dress over again, I would try harder to control the fabric around the wire and create a more flat, less wrinkled line around the body.