Amazonian Emancipation is my Senior Year Collection I. Rooted heavily in my cultural heritage, my collection was based on the 50th Anniversary of the Independence of the South American, Caribbean country of Guyana. I looked towards the juxtaposition of the colonial architecture in the capital of Georgetown and the organic movements within the Amazon Rainforest.
My concept and direction of my looks are meant to be wild and loud. my fabrics and trims reflect this by introducing bright colors and busy prints. I incorporated the trend of Print Clashing to mix geometric prints with organic and floral prints.
My first look is a Panel Kimono Style dress. Made with 34 separate pieces, I used both florals and abstract as wells as knits and woven to accomplish this look.
My second look is the brain child of a fabric manipulation idea brought to life. After meeting with a jacquard student, we were able to sit down and create a mid weight jacquard fabric with floats that were cut to create an interesting outcome.
The jacquard fabric- A collaboration with Graduate Student Shoko Goda- was inspired by Victoria Lily Pads found in the waters of the Amazon River. I was interested in the shape and wanted to originally create patches on a neutral fabric.
After meeting, constantly referencing and researching, the final fabric was a medium weight jacquard with floats along the surface. The floats were then clipped to reveal the lily pad shape underneath along with the frayed ends.
My final look is a dress that pays homage to both my culture and aesthetic. Filled with color and various Macaw Parrots, native to Guyana, this look incorporates curved style lines and a Print Collaboration with Nina Devassal.
