Outside in

<p>OUTSIDE IN was an exploration of the body through the drawing process applied tofashion garments. The role of drawing remains paramount through the development ofthe project from the early conceptual sketches, to the evolution of the design processand then to the finished garments. Drawing is the essential ingredient, and indeed isimbedded either directly within the design upon the garment, or in some way thefinished items relate to the act of drawing. The work deals with the human body,inside and out. It references human proportion, anatomical diagrams, acupuncturecharts, and surgical procedures.The history of Chinese costume formed the base of the research combined with a fineart perspective of how to translate a conceptual framework towards a practicalwearable resolution. Drawing was at the heart of this research, employed not only as aform of creative expression, but as a means of communication between designer andmaker. Cross-cultural collaboration is complex and demanding, and an acceptance ofthe potential for misinterpretation and ambiguity offers exciting unexpected solutionsto the design process. The research behind the act of ‘dressing’ and dissecting the human body provides richopportunities to reveal the relationships between reference sources, the developmentof a working methodology, and the finished garments through the drawing/designprocess. The design imperative requires notions of deconstruction and reconstruction,retaining integrity through the interpretation of images, whilst avoiding the creation ofthe ‘Emperor’s new clothes.’ The project was a collaboration with Peng Bo, (graphic designer) Deputy Director,Fashion institute of Dong Hua University. He designed 30 garments.I designed and produced 25 garments – some of which I made myself, and had theresponsibility of designing make up, hairstyle, etc. for the finished cat-walkpresentation attended by 2000 people.</p>