MIDAS TOUCH

ARCHIVAL INSPIRATION

Taking inspiration from archival material in the Cornell Fashion + Textile Collection, I showcased my expertise in draping and surface design techniques to create this exquisite lamé dress out of a red and gold brocade fabric.

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Specifically, I drew inspiration from a caftan designed for and worn by Andre Leon Talley. The intricate pleating techniques and the powerful symmetry create a compelling narrative. They seem to mimic recurring patterns in brutalist architecture.

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Beyond the visual intricacies, this project is an exploration of the intersections of dress and culture as they relate to the origins of fashion within a nation as diverse as the United States. I draw inspiration from my own cultural background, as well as my love for dance, music, and cinema to motivate my design practice.