CONSTRUCTION

CONSTRUCTION explores the materials and equipment commonly associated within a working ‘construction’ site, looking at the colourful combinations and illustrative imagery used for health and safety awareness – primarily focused on how these elements contrast against each other, their environment, exposed materials and surfaces. The theme of ‘construction’ has been a source of inspiration at varied time frames throughout the fashion industry, as the vivid use of colour and composition of structured panels allows designers to test new geometric structures and layers of materials bonded. The project showcases a tactile collection that uses geometric shapes and patterns to contrast against a neon-inspired colour palette, to embody the atmosphere of a construction symbols – with neon yellow and fluorescent orange that are supported with cool-toned shades of teal and navy. Textures are explored throughout a range of finishes including gloss, mirror, matte, translucent and opaque variations – whilst incorporating three-dimensional manipulation to create unusual surfaces which reflects the materials used within the site including: metal, plastic, concrete, and scaffolding material. The collection focuses on the balance of mixed-media collages, colour, scale and shapes – whilst exploring the use of technology-lead processes including: Laser Cutting and Etching, UV Printing, CAD Embroidery, Pleating and Digital Distortion. The collection reveals how surfaces can become interactive statements that transform when in motion, creating reflective elements that contrast against matte bases – suitable for the application of womenswear accessories and outerwear (S/S 20).