Fashion Project 2 (DST64404)

Contents

Task 01
Task 02
Task 03

Task 01

The first day of Fashion Project 2 marked the beginning of Semester 3. During this class, we were briefed on the module information booklet and the assignment brief, which gave us a clear overview of what to expect throughout the semester. The project immediately felt exciting yet challenging, as it involved a real-world-inspired collaboration between Taylor’s University and Converse.

For Task 01, we were required to create two fashion looks inspired by American style, based on any American era of our choice. The looks had to reflect Converse’s identity while also showing our personal design perspective.

I began the task by conducting brief research on Converse as a brand and exploring different American fashion eras. Initially, I considered a basketball jersey–inspired theme, as it is strongly associated with American sports culture and Converse. However, after experimenting with ideas, I realised that I was unable to develop strong or cohesive initial designs for this theme.

After re-evaluating my direction, I decided to shift my concept to the Y2K era, combined with a twist of Cyber Futurism. This direction felt more aligned with my creative strengths and allowed me to explore bold silhouettes, experimental materials, and futuristic aesthetics influenced by technology and digital culture.

One of the most challenging parts of Task 01 was the hands-on draping process using old Converse shoes provided by the university. The process involved:

Cleaning and disinfecting the shoes
Cutting them apart
Draping the shoe components directly onto the mannequin

The cleaning and disinfecting stage was already difficult due to the material and condition of the shoes. Cutting the shoes into usable pieces was even more challenging, as the rubber soles and thick materials were hard to manipulate. Additionally, grasping the idea of draping shoes instead of fabric took time, as it was something completely new to me.

We were required to produce 10 draped ideas. From these, we had to select one drape and create 5 initial design sketches. Then, from the selected 3 to 5 designs, we had to further develop 5 designs each.

I struggled initially and fell slightly behind on the design sketches because I had difficulty visualising wearable garments from the shoe drapes. However, with guidance and feedback from my lecturer, I was able to better understand the forms and eventually select a suitable design direction.

At the same time, I continued researching my chosen theme of Cyber Futurism. This included exploring:

Cyber Futurism aesthetics
Movies and music from the 1990s and early 2000s
Contemporary designers who currently incorporate cyber and futuristic elements into their work

Alongside this, I worked on developing a mood board that visually represented my concept, as well as researching Spring/Summer 2026 colour and style trends to ensure my designs were relevant and forward-thinking.

Reflection

Task 01 pushed me out of my comfort zone, especially through the unconventional draping of shoes instead of fabric. While I initially struggled with the technical and conceptual aspects, this process helped me develop better problem-solving skills and adaptability as a designer. The guidance from my lecturer played an important role in helping me gain clarity and confidence in my ideas.

This task also taught me the importance of being flexible with design concepts. Letting go of my initial basketball jersey idea allowed me to explore a theme that resonated more with my creative identity. Overall, Task 01 was a challenging yet valuable learning experience that laid a strong foundation for the rest of the project.

Task 02

For Task 02, we were required to explore and produce texture manipulation samples that aligned with our concept and could later be applied to our final garments. This task was particularly challenging for me, as I was slightly behind schedule and had not fully completed my developed designs at the time.

During this period, I was also required to start the toile for Look 1 for the Pattern Technology module, which meant managing both modules simultaneously. Due to this, my lecturer assisted me in selecting the developed design for Look 1, while I continued refining and developing more options to eventually select Look 2.

For this task, I created four texture manipulation samples, each experimenting with different materials and techniques inspired by my Y2K Cyber Futurism concept.

Sample 1: Converse Shoe Manipulation on Denim
The first sample involved cut-up Converse shoes arranged and attached onto a denim base fabric. I initially found it difficult to decide on the placement and composition of the shoe pieces, as the materials were rigid and unconventional. However, by experimenting with different arrangements and incorporating Converse laces, as well as using shoes in different colours, I was able to achieve a visually interesting and cohesive result.

Sample 2: Ripped Denim with Iridescent Spandex
The second sample explored a ripped denim texture, with iridescent reflective spandex fabric layered underneath. Creating the ripped effect was challenging at first, as I was unsure of the correct technique to achieve an intentional and clean distressed look. To overcome this, I watched several YouTube tutorials, which helped me better understand how to control the ripping process and create a more structured texture.

Sample 3: Denim with Diamond Star Cut-Outs
The third sample featured a diamond star-shaped cut-out on denim fabric. I struggled with sewing the curved edges of the star shape, and the final result appeared slightly crooked. This issue occurred due to inaccuracies during the cutting stage and insufficient seam allowance, which affected the sewing precision. This sample highlighted the importance of careful planning and accuracy when working with complex shapes.

Sample 4: Futuristic Line and Dot Pattern with Silver Spandex
The final sample focused on a futuristic line-and-dot pattern, created using silver spandex fabric cut-outs arranged on hoodie fabric. One of the main challenges was determining the pattern layout and attachment method. Sewing the spandex was not suitable, as the needle holes became too visible and disrupted the clean futuristic aesthetic. As a solution, I used fabric glue to attach the spandex pieces. After consulting with my lecturer, I was advised to enhance the design by adding silver thread stitching around the cut-outs, which elevated the overall finish and concept.

After reviewing all four samples, my lecturer responded positively to the futuristic line-and-dot silver spandex manipulation and emphasized that the Converse shoe manipulation was essential for this collection due to its strong connection to the brand collaboration. As a result, these two texture manipulations were selected to be further developed and applied to the final garment designs.

Reflection

Task 02 highlighted the importance of time management and adaptability when working across multiple modules simultaneously. Balancing the development of texture manipulation samples alongside the Pattern Technology toile process was challenging and caused delays in my workflow. This experience made me more aware of how closely design development and technical execution are connected, and how falling behind in one area can affect the overall progress of a project.

Through the process of creating the texture samples, I gained a deeper understanding of material behavior, especially when working with unconventional materials such as Converse shoes and spandex. I learned that not all materials are suitable for traditional sewing methods, and that alternative techniques, such as fabric glue and decorative stitching, can be just as effective when applied thoughtfully.

The challenges I faced—such as inaccurate cutting, difficulty sewing curves, and uncertainty in distressing techniques—reinforced the importance of pre-planning, testing, and research before final execution. Watching tutorials and consulting my lecturer helped me refine my techniques and improve the overall quality of my samples.

Overall, Task 02 pushed me to problem-solve creatively, respond constructively to feedback, and make informed design decisions.

Task 03

For Task 03, the final assignment required us to construct and sew two complete looks that we had been developing since the beginning of the semester. This stage brought together all previous research, design development, texture manipulation, and pattern drafting into final wearable garments.

Due to delays in my design development and difficulty deciding on my final looks, I fell behind schedule. My Look 2 was only finalized after the submission of the Look 1 toile, which resulted in a rushed workflow. I had to quickly draft Look 2 with the guidance of Dr. Shaimaa and Ms. Melina, while continuing to work on Look 1 simultaneously.

Look 1 & 2 Illustration draft 1

Look 1 consists of a hoodie dress layered with a corset. During the toile drafting stage, I faced difficulties drafting the hoodie pattern, particularly achieving the correct proportions and shape. With assistance from Dr. Shaimaa and Ms. Melina, I was eventually able to complete the draft.

The sewing process for the toile itself was manageable; however, after completion, several fitting issues became apparent. The hoodie dress turned out too oversized, making it difficult to zip up the corset properly. Additionally, the corset bust area and armhole region were too tight, affecting comfort and fit. The pocket was also sewn incorrectly and became too deep, losing its intended shape. The corset boning was another issue, as it was not cut accurately and risked poking through the fabric.

For the final garment, I made several necessary adjustments:

Took in the side seams of the hoodie dress
Lowered the armhole and adjusted the corset bust area
Corrected the pocket depth while maintaining its shape
Cut and secured the boning properly

Due to time constraints, I had ordered the hoodie fabric only after Look 1 was selected, which caused further delays as the fabric arrived late.

During the final construction, I made additional design changes. I decided to remove the middle panel of the hoodie, as it made the hood resemble an alien costume and disrupted the overall silhouette. Under Mr. Daniel's advice, and after consulting with both Dr. Shaimaa and Ms. Melina, I replaced the corset zipper with eyelets at the front.

Look 2 consists of a cropped hoodie, corset, and jorts. The cropped hoodie shared a similar bodice structure with Look 1, but featured a different hood design, which was challenging to draft. Despite the difficulty, I was able to draft and sew the hoodie successfully.

The jorts were the most technically demanding component due to the thick denim fabric. Sewing through multiple layers—especially at the crotch area and back yoke—required the use of a hammer to flatten the seams so they could pass through the sewing machine. For the buttons and stoppers, I had to visit Evergreen shop to have them professionally attached.

The corset for Look 2 was also made from denim. While sewing the corset panels was not too difficult, I accidentally mixed up some panels due to sleep deprivation, which slowed down the process. Attaching eyelets for both Look 1 and Look 2 corsets proved to be one of the most time-consuming and physically demanding tasks.

Due to these challenges and limited time, I had to request an extension, as I was unable to fully complete the texture manipulations and finish the jorts on time.

To enhance the futuristic aesthetic and prevent the garments from appearing too plain, I incorporated fabric paint to create additional futuristic line-and-dot patterns on selected areas of both garments after consulting with Mr. Daniel.

Look 1

Look 2

Reflection

Task 03 was the most demanding stage of Fashion Project 2 and Introduction to Pattern Technology, both technically and mentally. The delays in my design decision-making significantly affected my construction timeline, forcing me to work under pressure and rush several processes. This experience made me more aware of how crucial early planning and decisive design development are to successful garment execution.

Through this task, I learned valuable lessons about fit, material behaviour, and construction sequencing, especially when working with heavy fabrics such as denim and complex components like corsets and hooded garments. I also realised the importance of prioritising rest and organisation, as exhaustion led to avoidable mistakes such as panel mix-ups.

Despite the challenges, this task strengthened my resilience, problem-solving skills, and ability to adapt under pressure. Overall, Task 03 helped me better understand the realities of garment production and I want to prepare for more disciplined and structured workflows in future projects.