I designed these two looks for the 2024 Oregon State University Spring Fashion Show. The theme was ethereal, so I wanted to create looks that encapsulated the feeling of being ethereal. I took inspiration from childhood fairy tales, basing my looks on two specific mystical creatures. I utilized recycled fabrics and primarily constructed these by draping on live models, adjusting each garment to the model’s body. Otherworldly creatures can create the imagery of being in an ethereal land.
For my second look, I took inspiration from a mushroom fairy. I had dreamed of making a mushroom hat for years, and seeing the ethereal theme, I knew it was something I needed to incorporate. Forf the hat i constructed the base from cardboard and hot glued the fabric aroudn the base. This made the hat light weight and easily moldable. I knew I wanted something adjustable for the top, so I used an ultra-stretchy material and made the straps tie at the neck. This ensures it can be adjusted to many sizes. I have a staple for making arm cuffs that look like flared sleeves without sleeves. I like to think of them as leg warmers for your arms, adding flare to any outfit. The shorts were somewhat complicated, especially deicing around curves. Sincing the waist with elastic was ideal for easy on-and-off use of the garment. It also made the garment size adjustable, which was a goal of mine. Lastly the belt ik wanted to give the look a little pizzazz and what better way than a matching belt to the flared arm accessories. I used a recycled wooden belt buckle and a strip of the excess material. The tail was extended for a fun touch but, again, was also size-adjustable. Overall, I learned alot about ways to increase adjustability while keeping the aesthetics desired.
This first look was inspired by mermaids. At first, I wanted to create a blue look to give the impression that she just came out of the water. However, I found that when sourcing the materials secondhand, the pinks were all I could find. I was not mad aboujt it i embraced the change as slowly the fabrics startged to come together and create the mermaid we see here. Considering the outfit was draped to the model, it was difficult for someone to get right. I had to try it on numerous times, making minor adjustments each time. The most complex piece to construct wa sthe top i wanted to pleats to look like a seashell; to achieve this affect i had to use an asymetricla pleatig nmethod and sewing in a wire for the underbra. Some small details I added were distressing on the hem of the skirt to make it look like the mermaid was weathered. The sleeves I designed to give the appearance of fins, as I wanted her to look like she was swimming through the catwalk. I enjoyed getting to make such a whimsical piece.
