Mobility and Transportation
Sketch #1
It is believed that the Chinese lantern were first made durning the Eastern Han Dynasty. Their purpose was to provide an alternative source of light that is protected from wind, breezes or rain so that the flame did not blow out. Now a days, this object is symbolic for Chinese culture and are used as a decoration for homes and public spaces. Despite the fact that all of them share semi liar features, for instance, the red color and rounded shape, there are different types for example, the floating, flying or hanging lanterns.
My first sketch was designed to protect people from crowded places like china town or the subway. The central part is made out of plastic bags that I grabbed in our field trip and it has a pocket for commodity and ideally subway written in Chinese. I got the inspiration from the MET exposition, there was a dress made out bags. As for the sleeves, they are made out of puffy and big bags or out of Chinese red lamps to provide space and protect you for when you bump into other persons while you walk.
Sketch #2
In my second sketch I wanted to continue with the theme of protection. I decided that the top was going to be made out of the wrapping fabric of the fruit which is used to secure it. In the front it contains a big pocket constructed by a Chinese dragon that will wrap the waist and continue through the back appearing in the shoulder. In the past the use of dragon meant power, now a days, it represents good luck. At the end of each sleeve there is another lamp
Sketch #3
Finally, this accessory is just a regular lamp with red fringes at the bottom. This could be used as protection from the sun, to replace umbrellas which are massively used. Not only that, but also, I could print on it a specific word. Due to the fact that it stands out to can be used to orientate, or not to lose, people in crowded areas. Notwithstanding, I think that this should be paired with the previous garments.
CHANGES:
After presenting in class I decided to merge both of my ideas. I will create a top with puffy sleeves made out of bags intending to copy Chinese lanterns. There will also be a green dragon, that makes contrast with the red, wrapping the figure of the model. Finally she will wear a red lamp as a hat. My sketch refers to my theme since it is ideal for crowded spaces where bumping and pushing people is very common.
