Arts Thread

Living Skin began with a question: what if a textile could remember? Not memory as nostalgia, but as material. As surface. As something that lives with us, changes with us, and refuses to disappear. This work explores the body as a site of time — where every movement leaves a trace, and every trace becomes part of form. Through layers of engineered leather and responsive structures, the textile behaves like a second skin: opening, closing, breathing with the wearer. It is not fixed. It evolves. Each panel carries fragments — marks, imprints, textures — embedded histories that can be removed, replaced, and rearranged. The garment is never finished. It grows through use, resisting the cycle of consumption that defines fashion today. I was interested in creating a system rather than an object. A textile that extends beyond a single moment of design, and instead becomes something ongoing — shaped by the person who inhabits it. In a culture built on speed and replacement, Living Skin proposes a different relationship with material. One that values duration, transformation, and presence. This project sits between structure and softness, permanence and change, body and material — questioning where one ends and the other begins. What we wear should not erase our history. It should hold it.

Seen / Unseen explores the space between visibility and control. Through sheer layering and structured tailoring, the collection reveals and defines the body at the same time. Soft transparency expresses vulnerability, while precise lines and harness details introduce strength and intention. Each look transitions from expressive, conceptual silhouettes to simplified, wearable forms. The collection reflects how identity is not fixed, but shaped — a balance between what is shown and what is held back. It is an exploration of choosing how to be seen.

WHAT?! CUMULUS is a versatile jacket crafted for urbanites navigating the unpredictable elements of city living. This stylish garment merges fashion with function, ensuring that utility never sacrifices style. Lightweight, reversible, and durable, it effortlessly adapts to changing weather conditions, requiring minimal effort and minor adjustment from windbreaker to jacket to raincoat. CUMULUS offers a convenient solution for temperamental spring and fall weather, providing comfort and protection while showcasing innovative design in challenging urban environments. • How do I make clothing as functional as it is desirable? WHY?! In a time of global warming, weather patterns are shifting due to climate change. We need to adapt to these changes by innovating in design to align with nature's rhythms. I focus on clothing design as one way to confront this challenge directly. HOW?! Exploring the question of how to make clothing both functional and desirable involves examining historical contexts and theories from 1960 to 2013, integrating insights from fashion and functionality. This fusion inspires innovative approaches that balance practicality with aesthetics, honoring tradition while embracing modern practices. The design achieves its goal by blending fabric, construction, and mobility. Materials are chosen for flexibility and lightweight construction, ensuring comfortable wear that adapts to the wearer's needs. • How can the integration of historical insights alongside contemporary design practices inform the development of versatile urban clothing such as the CUMULUS to address the challenges posed by climate change? I'm thrilled to announce that this project has been approved by the James Dyson Award moderators and is now available for view in their online gallery! https://www.jamesdysonaward.org/en-US/2024/project/cumulus Also "CUMULUS" has been selected as one of the winners in the "Ghost Project 2024" competition! https://mikser.rs/en/selected-projects-from-a-design-competition-ghost-project/