Abstract

OUTSIDE IN was an exploration of the body through the drawing process applied to
fashion garments. The role of drawing remains paramount through the development of
the project from the early conceptual sketches, to the evolution of the design process
and then to the finished garments. Drawing is the essential ingredient, and indeed is
imbedded either directly within the design upon the garment, or in some way the
finished items relate to the act of drawing. The work deals with the human body,
inside and out. It references human proportion, anatomical diagrams, acupuncture
charts, and surgical procedures.
The history of Chinese costume formed the base of the research combined with a fine
art perspective of how to translate a conceptual framework towards a practical
wearable resolution. Drawing was at the heart of this research, employed not only as a
form of creative expression, but as a means of communication between designer and
maker. Cross-cultural collaboration is complex and demanding, and an acceptance of
the potential for misinterpretation and ambiguity offers exciting unexpected solutions
to the design process.
The research behind the act of ‘dressing’ and dissecting the human body provides rich
opportunities to reveal the relationships between reference sources, the development
of a working methodology, and the finished garments through the drawing/design
process. The design imperative requires notions of deconstruction and reconstruction,
retaining integrity through the interpretation of images, whilst avoiding the creation of
the ‘Emperor’s new clothes.’
The project was a collaboration with Peng Bo, (graphic designer) Deputy Director,
Fashion institute of Dong Hua University. He designed 30 garments.
I designed and produced 25 garments – some of which I made myself, and had the
responsibility of designing make up, hairstyle, etc. for the finished cat-walk
presentation attended by 2000 people.