X-KIMONO PROJECT

Every garment I create is unique. The process is not linear nor systematic. It is fluid and adaptable, yet all design elements follow a set parameters that are:

·      Minimal cutting

·      Geometric pattern pieces only ie rectangles, squares and triangles.

·      Folding tucking and draping only to achieve shape and fit.

·      Adaptability in fit

·      Aesthetically harmonious balance

·      Subtle drama

·      Technique

·      Practical application

I use only few base styles and adapt each one in different ways depending on the fabric.

I play with the fabric, get to know its feel, fold, drape, and mood. I listen to how it wants to be expressed and start with that.

Every fabric has it’s own personality, and I step into a co creative relationship with it to translate it into its form. To rebirth it.

This process of finding its form has no time frame. It can take a day. It can take a year. Some pieces go through multitudes of metamorphoses to find it. Some are achieved quickly and effortlessly.

I can never work constantly on one piece. Half of the time is spent walking away and thinking about it, sometimes for an hour, sometimes a week or two. A lot of the construction engineering happens in my head when I’m away from it. A lot of decisions are made in an instant at any time the solution arrives. And it always arrives eventually.

I use a long stitch when sewing because I unpick as much as I stitch. I have had to learn not to be afraid of unpicking. I have had to learn to enjoy unpicking. I managed to find that space by using the time to meditate on other things that need attention, as I don’t need to think to unpick unlike every other part of the process.

Being unafraid to unpick makes me more likely to try out different techniques and concepts.

Having the fabric in geometric shapes makes it easy to adapt and change any element of the design without compromising the integrity of the shape. It also means I don’t have to re-cut a pattern piece if it isn’t right, meaning no unnecessary wastage. I just unpick and refold or re-tuck or reattach at a different angle or position.

It also makes me more inclined to sew it together instead of pinning it in place till I get the shape right, which moves the production process along a lot. I get the basic pieces together then gradually work in the more detailed bits till I get to the finishing.

The finishing is probably the most important aspect and needs to be considered alongside every other decision right from the start, from pattern to cutting/laying the fabric, in the order of construction, and in its function and aesthetic balance.

The size and placement of an edge strip cuff, belt or hem is what gives the style it’s attitude and correct balance and must be given the time it takes to find it. There is no compromise on this. Harmony must be achieved for completion and birth into the big wide world.

I want to give each baby the best chance of finding love and appreciation, to be cherished and cared for, to be given life and to give life on a body. To bring out the essence of a woman by making her look and feel beautiful. To help raise the vibrations of that woman, helping her in connecting her to the goddess energy she inherently holds. For her to feel the empowerment of it. The softness with the strength. To remember herself.  To bring more essential balancing feminine energy into the world.