To start, I should say that I’m still not entirely sure what my research topic is. I think I will be approaching some sort of combination of geometry, repetition and organic structures. While I really enjoy geometry and repetition, I feel that this subject has been explored quite thoroughly in fashion. It is somewhat more challenging to explore organic forms in fashion, which is why that category appeals to me. As far as repetition goes, my interest lies in the simplicity of overall form that is achieved with smaller, less simple components. I think my interest in geometric repetition comes from the fact that I have grown up surrounded by the geometric repetition of NYC, found in buildings, streets, the grid system etc. As a designer, I am interested because working with organic tessellations is a rather challenging exercise in mathematics.
I want to learn more about how geometry and repetition is useful in nature. The first thing that comes to mind is that it is useful in protection and shelter. Scales, turtle shells, and feathers are all examples of this. I would like to learn more about how these structures are formed in nature, and how they have evolved to become what they are. Particularly, I would love to see prior iterations of these structures to see what worked and what hasn’t worked. Perhaps I should visit the AMNH…
This idea of natural geometric repetition relates to my current understanding of fashion in that it creates a sense of outsiderness. It does this by way of suggesting that the wearer is in need of some sort of armor or protection. This suggests that the wearer is likely threatened in their environment, suggesting that perhaps they are unlike any thing around them. I think that the idea of creating fashionable armor relates to a larger social climate in that the proliferation of accessible media in some ways makes us feel more vulnerable. While there are likely just as many (if not fewer) frightening or violent events happening around the world, mobile technology allows us to feel instantly connected to those events. As a result, we feel more threatened by events happening far away from us, a feeling that we likely haven’t had to cope with in human history.
