Comfort holds many different meanings for different people, whether it be on a physical, mental, or emotional level. While cozy clothing such as sweat pants, fuzzy socks and pajamas are comfortable for the masses, I believe that this experience can and should be more customized. One interacts with an item of clothing using all their senses. Why not use that to the advantage of the wearer and create a full sensory experience? I want to explore how color, texture, weight, scent and more can give a person a sense of comfort.
Alaura Kicks Back, Shoot done May 2nd, 2022. Model: Alaura Shuble.
Alaura lounges in her knit dress and corset. The knit dress is made of pink double-knit fabric (hand-dyed and -knit by me), and the corset is made of purple blizzard fleece with a cotille backing.
Zoe Plays the Sims, Shoot done April 24th, 2022. Model: Zoe Miles.
Zoe wears a custom cocoon-suit and corset, made of yellow blizzard fleece with orange appliques, while playing the Sims.
Zoe's Cocoon-Suit: Jumpsuit Mode, Shoot done April 24th, 2022. Model: Zoe Miles.
The cocoon is wrapped up, showing the jumpsuit and corset underneath.
Zoe's Cocoon-Suit: Cocoon Mode, Shoot done April 24th, 2022. Model: Zoe Miles.
The cocoon is unravelled, enveloping Zoe.
Bex's Picnic, Shoot done April 27th, 2022. Model: Bex Klein.
Bex relaxes on a picnic blanket. Their comforter coat is made of blue and green rayon-spandex knit, and is stuffed with batting and kapok.
Comforter Coat, Shoot done April 27th, 2022. Model: Bex Klein.
Layers, Shoot done April 27th, 2022. Model: Bex Klein.
Under their comforter coat, Bex wears a weighted vest made of double-knit fabric, and filled with dried beans and batting.
Alaura Kicks Back, Shoot done May 2nd, 2022. Model: Alaura Shuble.
Alaura lounges in her knit dress and corset. The knit dress is made of pink double-knit fabric (hand-dyed and -knit by me), and the corset is made of purple blizzard fleece with a cotille backing.
Turtleneck, Shoot done May 2nd, 2022. Model: Alaura Shuble.
Appreciation Brunch, Shoot done May 2nd, 2022. Models (left to right): Bex Klein, Alaura Shuble, and Zoe Miles.
Bex, Alaura and Zoe enjoy brunch in their garments. The meal was a thank you from me to them for collaborating with me throughout this process.
For this collection, I collaborated with three of my friends to develop unique garments based on their preferences. I did basic research beforehand on color psychology, fabric textures, weighted blanket relief, sound association and other sensations that trigger emotional responses. From this research, I gathered fabric swatches, color chips and scents that relate to this information, then interviewed each of the collaborators about their need and their responses to the material samples. Once I had these details, I sketched out some options and we discussed which ones they liked the most. We ultimately settled on five looks per person, and one final garment per person. The process as a whole was not just helpful for this project, but for future interactions with clients and designers. I hope to continue working one-on-one with people and focusing on personal comfort throughout my career.
Special thanks to Alaura Shuble, Bex Klein and Zoe Miles.
Ali Kushner is a fashion designer and fiber artist based in Chicago. Born in New York in 2001, she then moved to London and, subsequently, Boston, where she spent the rest of her childhood. Her upbringing in a place that encouraged STEM-focused education influences her practice, as seen by her in-depth research methods and integration of science into art. Botany, psychology, and environmental science are especially important themes, as her work centers around sustainability and healing (physically and emotionally). She often uses natural dyes, recycled materials, and transformational processes. She also aims to accommodate all body types and needs with her garments, preferring to work on a one-to-one scale with clients.