Cross-mixing two historic techniques into one modern day couture dress design
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Date of Defense
12-9-2019
Date of Graduation
4-2020
Department
Family and Consumer Sciences
First Advisor
Mary Simpson
Second Advisor
Patti Borello
Third Advisor
Emily Kelley
Abstract
This creative works project consists of designing and sewing a couture dress. It is firmly believed that the preservation of historical garments is crucial to creating modern-day designs. The inspiration was pulled from two eras throughout the twentieth century. The main inspiration was a 1930’s couture bias-cut dress from the Western Michigan University Historic Garment Collection. The additional technique used was color blocking from the 1960s. In order for fashion to continue to change and develop, extensive evaluations must be performed on historical techniques to redefine new trends season after season.
The purpose of the historical interpretation project is to research two different techniques and cross-reference them to create one modern-day style couture dress. These techniques include coloring blocking from the 1960s and the bias-cut from the 1930s.
The text Madeline Vionnet by Betty Kirke, was referenced to understand the silhouette and how to pattern on the bias. Advice from the committee was used as an aid when producing the garment. The fashion fabric of the dress is 100% silk charmeuse and includes a silk dupioni underlining. It is finished with a hibati silk lining. All of the fabric was hand-dyed using four different colors inspired by the houses in Cinque Terre, Italy.
It is the intent of this creative project to inform the public on the importance of restoring historical techniques for the advancement of the future of the fashion industry.
Recommended Citation
Mauriello, Allison, "Cross-mixing two historic techniques into one modern day couture dress design" (2019). Honors Theses. 3278.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/honors_theses/3278
Access Setting
Honors Thesis-Open Access