The starting point of my collection focused on the Russian Constructivist movement of the early 1900’s. The Constructivists embraced technology and the recently developed techniques of industrial mass-production in their art. They believed that the artist had to become a technician able to use the tools and materials of modern production. This led me to research new methods of construction where joins became decorative as well as functional. Considering modern production methods, laser cutting and considering mass manufacture led me to instructional design and flat pack furniture. The project became process driven with design decisions partly dictated by application and need over pure aesthetics. Working between computer manipulation of flat patterns then made into maquettes a shillouette developed.
The concept is to create a collection where joins and fastening become features, pieces are readable as flat patterns and can be assembled with minimal sewing or knowledge of manufacture. This is achieved by utilizing laser-cutting to create seams that link rather then need to be sewn. Using only non-wovens such as leather, neoprene and plastics is important as it allows more interesting exploration of pattern cutting, not restricted by grain lines and material properties such as drape.