D E S I G N E R

Inspired by the surreal nature of the ocean, Depths aims to capture the natural subtle beauty of the sea. This silk velvet dress has been naturally dyed with indigo. I used Kanoko and Arashi Japanese Shibori tying techniques to bind the fabric before dying it. The combination of the velvet, indigo, and shibori techniques create a soft ripple texture throughout the velvet. As this dress moves and catches the light, like the ocean, the details and colors you see change. This garment, Depths, was designed for my Textile Surface Design, and Dyes class. Inspired by the surreal nature of the ocean, Depths aims to capture the natural subtle beauty of the sea. This silk velvet dress has been naturally dyed with indigo. I used Kanoko and Arashi Japanese Shibori tying techniques to bind the fabric before dying it. The combination of the velvet, indigo, and shibori techniques create a soft ripple texture throughout the velvet. As this dress moves and catches the light, like the ocean, the details and colors you see change. This garment, Depths, was designed for my Textile Surface Design, and Dyes class. Inspired by the surreal nature of the ocean, Depths aims to capture the natural subtle beauty of the sea. This silk velvet dress has been naturally dyed with indigo. I used Kanoko and Arashi Japanese Shibori tying techniques to bind the fabric before dying it. The combination of the velvet, indigo, and shibori techniques create a soft ripple texture throughout the velvet. As this dress moves and catches the light, like the ocean, the details and colors you see change. 

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Through the process of designing and creating this textile, I was able to explore with the process of naturally dyeing silk velvet. To achieve this vibrant blue, I first had to scour and mordant the fabric. I then created an indigo dye vat to dye the yardage. While indigo is a common dye that is used in many Japanese Shibori textiles, I choose to use velvet which is not commonly used in shibori, due to the pile of the fabric. Combining these two elements enabled me to create an innovative textile, full of texture and dimension that I wanted to achieve with this piece. This dress is also inspired by 1920's silhouettes. The dropped waist, and dartless bodice allow for this dress to draped move with the body. This movement further emphasizes the water inspired textures on this textile. 

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Size:  6 Wolform

Silk Velvet Indigo Dyed

Spring 2018: Final project for Textile Surface Design class

Designed, Styled and Photographed by me.