Alicia Seungah Lee
The student ventured to make a garment made entirely of textiles that are not normally used. Composed of shell samples, which are typically used for crockery and furniture, this piece is sculpted to create an ethereal silhouette that transgresses the typical boundaries of clothing. The shape was developed using a collage of images of flowers and butterflies to piece together a garment that looks like a living creature.
With a focus on geometry, light and angularities, this design walks the line between modern machinery and nature from afar. The body of the design was formed by pleating the fabric and hand embroidering the shells. All the materials used are sustainable, as scraps of polyester and left-over shells from seafood restaurants were collected, recut and repurposed to make the structure. The collar at the front of the neck stands up to cover the neck in a golden glean, the arms and shoulders also adorned by upright structures that encircle the upper part of the body.
