Stack Dress
(summer 2021)
The Process
Over the summer, we were assigned different prompts for my AP Art class. The prompt for this project was Stack. I chose to design this deconstructed-hoop skirt dress to show what I think of when I hear the word Stack. I “stacked” hoops on top of one another in order to create this effect. I noticed I had some extra fabric so I decided I wanted to make some gloves. To complete the look, I added “stacks” of rings that I made out of polymer clay and for her makeup, I “stacked” white and red lines above her eyes with liquid liner. Once the whole look was complete, I set up a couple of bed sheets in my garage as a backdrop. Using my friend, Vivi, as a model, I was able to bring my vision to life. To be honest, when I started the process, I had no idea it was going to turn out like this. In the end, however, Im very proud of the outcome.
Nowadays, with Covid and the current state of perpetual isolation, we all feel like the “odds are stacked against us.” (Even getting dressed in a fun outfit, just to stay in your garage feels like the ultimate 2021 smack in the face). Creating a dress that feels fun, bouncy, and free allows us to experience the word “stack” in a more positive way.
Flower Room
(fall 2021)
My favorite piece in my portfolio is the dress I made based on an AP Art assignment with the prompt, “stack.” I was inspired to create a structured but playful dress that incorporated stacks of concentric circles for lots of dynamic bounce and movement. When I learned about the Parsons Challenge, I immediately knew I wanted to design an outfit inspired by this dress and then photograph both outfits in an environment that captured the whimsy and weirdness of the clothing.
First, I set out to create a set of separates that were more wearable and practical: a mini-dress and culottes. Because I had never made pants before and knew their fit would be challenging for me to construct, I stayed open-minded in case I needed to adjust the design. The stretch of the red polyester fabric, however, not only helped me execute my original pattern, but it also allowed for a wide range of body types to wear the pieces. When I brought the finished product to school, everyone from my 6’1” classmate to my 5’3” film teacher looked good in the pieces.
As I was designing the clothing, I realized that the color and silhouette resembled that of many figures found in Italian Renaissance paintings. From court jesters, to clergymen, to Christ himself, characters in Venetian Red are a trademark feature of so many depicted scenes from this era, and coincidentally, here they were staring right back at me. To further emphasize the religious and zany nature of these costumes, I made a halo-inspired hat to complete the outfits.
The next step was to photograph the two outfits together in a setting as fantastical as the costumes. I took over the attic in my garage and painted every surface with large, colorful flowers. To connect my models to their environment, I printed fabric with the same floral pattern I painted on my walls to sew into knee high socks and opera-length gloves.
During the photoshoot, I chose not to direct my models’ every move. Instead, I trusted the clothing would evoke the same feelings in my friends as I had when I wore the outfits. I was overjoyed when their entire demeanor transformed once they put on the bright red clothes. Their unapologetic and regal stances were entirely a product of the costumes' influence. The only thing I had to worry about was making sure I captured all of their irreverently divine poses.
In reflecting on this project, I realize how easily creativity builds on itself. It's wild to me that this stoically bizarre photoshoot evolved out of the word “stack.” Anything can be a springboard for imagination, and I see how that has been true for all of my favorite projects. Whether it's an abandoned couch I find on the road or a birthday present turned animation turned documentary, it doesn't take much for my imagination to run wild.