Arts Thread

This collection of printed textiles explores the concept of an elven race that is exploited by various species of carnivorous plants combining elements of deceit and trickery with an otherworldly atmosphere. The infection process begins when the parasitic species sprout from the hostile realm that they and the elves inhabit and attach themselves to a host, their ornate appearances luring prey into a false sense of safety. The plants then produce a chemical that affects the brain chemistry of the host, causing them to succumb to their inner carnal desires to satiate the botanical infestation plaguing their bodies.

This project was an opportunity to research future trend analysis and respond to contemporary styles to create an exciting, innovative collection. I chose to focus my research around the ongoing animal rights movement with a focus on insect conservation and the use of silk in the fashion and textile industry.

This fabric collection represents the fragile intricacies of the human body, more specifically the changes it undergoes after death and how it parallels the biodegradable nature of sustainable textiles. I aimed to express an ornate exploration of this concept through themes of anatomy, decomposition and preservation.

This project is a response to a brief set by luxury fashion brand Preen and aims to portray the intrigue and mystery surrounding traditional Venetian theatre as well as the idea of a romantic tragedy, underlying melancholic emotions concealed under a mask, quite literally. I chose to use key figures featured in this field of theatre such as The Columbine, Harlequin and Pierrot who are caught in a love triangle, Pierrot pining hopelessly after Columbine who has eyes only for the mischievous Harlequin. Due to Preen’s association with the harlequin print I wanted to feature it in my work and so I took it upon myself to research where the print itself derives from and found myself very much inspired by the traditional roles within this branch of theatre. Due to my colour palette of contrasting light and dark hues, almost akin to day and night, as well as the soothing shades of lilac, pink and light blue, I themed my project around sleepwear. I depicted the floral imagery often used in Preen’s catalogue as flowers thrown from a satisfied audience to the performers at the end of a show.