THE ACT OF MOLDING –EXPLORING THE EXPRESSIVE POTENTIAL IN MOULDING OF ARCHETYPAL GARMENTS (MA thesis)
JOHAN NORDBERG, 2014
Abstract
The approach in this work is to question fundamental structures and construction principles in clothing. Industrial standardization in garment manufacture is today defining design activity and design to only a few traditional techniques e.g. pattern construction, knitting and draping. As fashion is a movement, the production can’t be set. Because where in this formation will pioneering work progress? How could alternative techniques that result in new perceptions, expressions and aesthetics emerge without breaking through the production line.
This work aims to experimentally explore the expressive potential in moulding as an alternative construction technique of clothes. Through dismantle standardized molding methods from the manufacturing industry to it´s essential elements these are modified and transformed into an artistic process to construct clothing. Focusing on regular jersey fabric in relation to a liquid fixator areas of flat material is modified into a formed stiff material. From a conceptual perspective this work propose, through an number of examples a process that empowers an artistic approach to garment production. The result is a collection that examines a range of garments types from a formed vs. Nonformed composition approach. Further exploration could be to apply this concept to garment manufacturing.