In my original hand drawings, my designs focused of the south in general. From Alabama, to florida, to even Georgia. My designs were mainly influenced by gothic culture in the south. For my final project I decided to use influences from a southern state of my choice. Louisiana(New Orleans) I felt as though New Orleans raw and intense history of witchcraft, Voodoo, and the elaborate mix of culture influence would be perfect for inspiration. Instead of sticking to my graphic design prints, I upgraded to designing a corset. Influenced by the french colonization in New orleans, corsets have always been an essential girdling piece for European women. For the colors on the corset I took inspiration from the architectural plantation mansion just outside of New Orleans. The blue and Salmon colors and the dark green from plants and trees. For the prints on the corset, I used symbols used in witchcraft and voodoo rituals. A prominent historical culture in New Orleans. For a the gothic fashion, I used black lace on the edges of the corset.The choice of a corset was inspired by Madame Lalaurie, a wicked woman in New Orleans known for her horrible treatment of slaves that she hid in her mansion. She was a french Aristocrat. The designs on the corset were inspired by Marie Laveau, the voodoo queen. She was a well known Voodoo practicer in New orleans history. She was of Creole decent. I wanted to create a mix of french European style, Pagan European Wicca, and African/ Creole voodoo to give my piece a taste of New Orleans origins all together. The rich mixture of cultural influences shape what New Orleans is known for. Steampunk, goth, Wiccan, and Afro-Punk styles are quite similar to the vibe in New Orleans. Incorporating these fashion subcultures into a piece of art with historical meaning.
Inspiration from sketchbook (above)
