Design Collection: Instructions to a Body

Updated Design Boards from my first exploratory sketches!

I began with a blank slate, and an absence of labels. Clothing draped around limbs and curves, instead of preconceived armholes, necklines, and hems. Here’s what happened when I broke past the barriers and instructed the body anew:

design sketches and flats for collection

[Croquis & Flats: Gouache, pen, photoshop.]

swatches and inspiration for design collection

[Swatches & inspiration board. Additional Credit: Woman Dressing by Eadweard Muybridge, 1887. ]

What do you think of my re-inventions? How else can the body be broken down? Why do we tend to gravitate towards body conventions and the usual placement of seams & openings?

(P.S. Want to see me do the 30 Day Challenge? Remember to voice your opinion at this post! 15 supporters by the end of the month and I’m in!)

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Posted by on Aug 20, 2010 in Articles, Restyle It! | 4 comments
  • http://modaforademoda.blogspot.com/ Fer

    hi Tessa! thanks for your lovely comment in my blog :)

    about my No Black Tuesdays: it was a nice idea, a nice experiment for me last year, and I really think it changed the way I dress. now that I register my outfits in a blog, I noticed that I hardly ever wear black in the Summer, for example; most of the time, when I’m out shopping, I go for the non-black options first (especially when it comes to shoes, and even when I want to buy something specifically in black); and in general, I’ve been trying to bring more colors and patterns to my outfits.

    on the other hand, it’s much more difficult for me to do so in the Winter, for several reasons, and I’m ok with it, because now it is a conscious decision, whereas in the past it was not always the case. so now, when I go black (even all black at times), I feel I do it because I like it, not because everyone else is doing the same. this is why I think I no longer need my No Black Tuesdays. but hey, if you want to use this idea for yourself, of for your blog, please, by all means! it’s yours :)

    I really liked Rethinking Style: many of your posts here were inspiring and thought-provoking for me, and I’m looking forward to being inspired by you again and again :)

    um beijo from Brazil.

  • Anna

    Hi Tessa, good job I would love to see you do the 30 days challenge . Bloblogblog GO BLOG!!! Yay hood job tessa

  • http://rethinkingstyle.com Tessa

    Thank you! I just might borrow that No Black Tuesdays idea in the future (will credit you!) It’s fantastic to hear that you’ve made a conscious decision to style outfits regardless of colors. You’re quite inspirational yourself!

  • http://rethinkingstyle.com Tessa

    Thanks, Anna!