On April 5, 2017, pre-selected Mesa fashion students attended a luncheon at the Salk Institute. While there, they met with scientists who had also been pre- selected to collaborate and team with the students, on a design of a fashion garment.
I get to meet my scientist, Elena, for the first time on Wednesday, April 19, 2017. We have also connected on LinkedIn. I am visiting with her at Salk and will bring my iPad which has a few pictures gathered up and saved on my Pinterest account. Mostly pictures that have design lines that I may be able to use in our "original" design. I'm also hoping to hear more about her current project and look at some more images that she may have. Between Elena's images and my images, I hope to leave tomorrow with a pretty solid design in mind.
Today was the first time Elena and I were able to meet! We looked at each other's photos: mages from her astrocyte research and images of gowns I found in several different silhouettes. We then discussed in length, the photos that moved us. Then we discussed the visual interpretation and how design lines in each garment may lend itself to simulating the scientific imagery of her science project.
We reviewed how each garment might lend itself to expressing her work visually and through color contrasts. We also discussed textures of textiles that may be good choices for the gala gown.
I was also moved by the petticoat and I captioned this "Ruffles and Romance". After deep consideration, it became obvious that it was important to continue with the garment and drape the outer skirt and hem ruffle.
After draping the outer-skirt over the petticoat, I was happy that I stayed with the original design.
All the major components have been completed. Next I will be stitching on all the pieces of the dress, adding lining to the empire bodice, stitching up the center back, adding an elastic with hook and eye fastener and then the zipper.
The final component will be embellishing the skirt with the black feathers and sapphire blue Swarovski crystals. Staying true to the design concept as originally drawn.
The final gown is now completed and will walk the runway at the Salk Women & Science, Design and Discovery Fashion Showcase on October 4, 2017.