METAMORPHOSIS

This collection started with my own experience with self-acceptance. Like a lot of people, l’ve struggled with insecurity and have had difficulty accepting who I am. But over time, I’ve been able to appreciate that change is natural, and that who we are, flaws and all, is always evolving.

I was able to connect this statement of transition to the metamorphosis of moths, my collection explores the ongoing cycles of transformation within the human body and mind. This collection follows a progression through four main looks transitioning from silkworm, cocoons, and moths.

Each fabric choice and construction method reflects the form and feeling of the phase it represents. I used only natural fiber fabrics and silk thread to reinforce the integrity of the concept and maintain a commitment to sustainability throughout the collection.

EARLY RESEARCH AND DESIGN

LOOK ONE

Replicates the silk worm before the cocoon transformation

DETAIL AND PROCESS

Replicating the texture and shape of the silkworm to garment with 400 cut pieces consisting of 3 layers: cotton velveteen, hand distressed cheesecloth and silk organza.

Silk mohair is used to wrap and tie around garment as if a cocoon is beginning to form

EARLY DESIGN AND SKETCH PROCESS

LOOK TWO

Replicates the silk worm before the cocoon

transformation

3 types of coat lining tests and seam samples

FABRIC STORY

SILK CHIFFON
SILK ORGANZA
SILK SATIN
BOILED WOOL
COTTON ORGANDY
COCOON SILK
COTTON CHEESECLOTH
COTTON VELVETEEN
SILK MOHAIR

TOILE PROCESS

COAT LINING

MADE OF 4 LAYERS:

Satin Lining
Hand Distressed Cheese Cloth
Bombyx Mori Cocoon Silk
Silk Organza

LOOK THREE

The cocoon just before metamorphosis ends, the moth is ready to emerge

LINING

DYE TESTS

Silk chiffon tests dyed with black tea over original dye. Used in lining of look three, slightly revealing color

DETAIL AND TOILE PROCESS

Shell Made of 4 Layers:

Cotton Organdy, Distressed

Cheesecloth, Cocoon Fiber, Silk Organza

Lining made of 3 Layers:

Cotton Organdy, Tea Dyed Silk Chiffon,

and Distressed Cheesecloth

Hints of color peeking out in the fabric lining to represent the moths emergence. Use of & zippers and synched ties along the sleeves and hem to represent that change is on the verge of happening.

LOOK THREE

The moth has emerged from the cocoon.

FINAL TOILES

BODICE SELF

Silk Charmeuse and Chiffon

PHOTOGRAPHER: CHLOE O’NEILL.

This bodice contains 280 cut pieces of silk chiffon and is completely symmetrical. The hand cut holes replicate how moths chew through fabric.

PROCESS ADDING HUNDREDS STRIPS OF GATHERED CHIFFON TO BASE OF CHIFFON SKIRT

The symmetry in the corset replicates the symmetry in the moth’s wing as well as the sheer chiffon pieces layered over the lining to capture the wing’s transparency and delicacy.