Haunting Darkness
Document Type
Oral Presentation
Campus where you would like to present
SURC Ballroom C/D
Start Date
15-5-2014
End Date
15-5-2014
Keywords
Madame Gres, Draping, Pleating, couture
Abstract
The purpose of this design was to integrate techniques learned at workshops at the International Textiles and Apparel Association’s annual conferences. I wanted to combine the couture hand sewing technique that was used by Madame Gres in the 1930s and new leather sewing techniques. This design was also to further challenge and develop my design and construction skills. Process: Inspiration for the design came from walking through the historic cemeteries in New Orleans. The beauty of the graves and the darkness of death was combined to create the overall look of the garment. Mimicking the alligator skin using the Madame Gres pleating technique was also critical to executing the design. Techniques: creating the front bodice shapes to mimic the alligator skin was a long and technical process. The size, placement, and angle of the pleated pieces was a tedious process. Each pleated piece was applied to a base garment. Once the pleated appliques were sewn on the base fabric it was carefully attached to the back leather bodice. The pleated skirt was attached to the bodice at the waistline and features a waist stay to support the weight of the skirt. Materials: 100-percent polyester jersey knit, alligator leather, twill tape, hook & eyes, thread.
Recommended Citation
Eklund, Andrea, "Haunting Darkness" (2014). Symposium Of University Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 66.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2014/posters/66
Poster Number
49
Additional Mentoring Department
Family and Consumer Sciences
Haunting Darkness
SURC Ballroom C/D
The purpose of this design was to integrate techniques learned at workshops at the International Textiles and Apparel Association’s annual conferences. I wanted to combine the couture hand sewing technique that was used by Madame Gres in the 1930s and new leather sewing techniques. This design was also to further challenge and develop my design and construction skills. Process: Inspiration for the design came from walking through the historic cemeteries in New Orleans. The beauty of the graves and the darkness of death was combined to create the overall look of the garment. Mimicking the alligator skin using the Madame Gres pleating technique was also critical to executing the design. Techniques: creating the front bodice shapes to mimic the alligator skin was a long and technical process. The size, placement, and angle of the pleated pieces was a tedious process. Each pleated piece was applied to a base garment. Once the pleated appliques were sewn on the base fabric it was carefully attached to the back leather bodice. The pleated skirt was attached to the bodice at the waistline and features a waist stay to support the weight of the skirt. Materials: 100-percent polyester jersey knit, alligator leather, twill tape, hook & eyes, thread.
Faculty Mentor(s)
Eklund, Andrea