Design Sketches

I done a few sketches after experimenting with paper.

After further sketches I tried to produce a mock up using plastic sheeting to see what it would like and decided I'd like to make it out of acrylic sheet as it would be rigid and I also like the shiny surface.

I experimented with acrylic sheet to see whether it would be possible to join the acrylic the way I wanted to, before comitting myself to a material or design.

Experiments

I experimented with card and paper to see what I could come up with, I used mainly simple 3d angular shapes as I felt they would provide a clean look but felt they would also  be uncomfortable to wear due to the fact the body is made up of curves.

Self Expression, Shock Factor or.......

Along with many outlandish catwalk trends and impractical items we see everyday I also looked a little at celebs who are known for wearing clothing and accessories that are anything but comfortable or practical. Lady Gaga and Grace Jones are known for their unusual sense of dress but  what is their motivation?; self expression, the shock factor or publicity. Whatever their motivation they both push the boundaries of what fashion is or can be aswell as challenging the idea of what people view as being 'wearable'.

What Is Wearable?

Thinking about the idea of wearable I feel that as long as something can be put on then it's  wearable regardless of how impractical or comfortable it is but people may not choose to wear it. But I suppose it could be argued that if the majority of people would choose not to wear something because of its impracticality then its not wearable. 

Fashion - As Long As It Looks Good?

I tried to look at everyday items that aren't considered extreme or out of the ordinary that are widely worn but that cause discomfort and maybe even pain. I read an article by Hanna Wood called 'Fashion injuries and the pain we suffer for style' where she talks about diiferent injuries caused wearing high heels and large bags amongst other items where she states at the begining of the article when talking about high heels;

'I know what you're thinking, this is the obvious one, and we've all learnt the hard way that achieving a sexy statuesque sway comes with a slew of downsides.'

I could idenify with what she was saying and found it quite funny that many women would also identify with this statement but it wouldn't deter them or myself from wearing heels.

Other articles and comments I came across ranged from health professionals recommendations on how heavy your bag should be from individuals stating that women who sacrifice their comfort for fashion are 'Die hard fashionista's'.

Cultural Body Modification

I took a brief look at modifications made to the body by different cultures and tribes and the fact that their main motivation was to enhance their appearance and be considered more attractive. Some of the things done in different cultures appear to be extreme and some have health implications but it made me think about the similarities within the western culture, on the idea of looking good and enhancing different body parts regardless of possible implications.

Proposal

After looking at the idea of fashion, fashion accessories and other forms of adornment that are commonly worn but are uncomfortable, impractical and sometimes painful I decided to look at what I consider to be wearable and why women in particular wear things that cause discomfort. I want to produce a piece of adornment that is uncomfortable/ impractical to wear but still looks good.