The look I made at Multi-level Machine Knitwear class is part of my project Hooded. The theme is to establish a connection between myself and my ethnic group, the Mongolians. I sought to find the roots of my emotional connection to my heritage and determine the traces it left on me.
In the creative process, I used the silhouettes of traditional Mongolian clothing, combining two or three pattern pieces and draping them together to create new forms. These new silhouette cannot be traced back to the traditional Mongolian costumes, just as my experiences have made it impossible for me to become a traditional Mongolian living in the grassland. I used machine knitting and hand crochet to showcase every piece of traditional Mongolian patterns, resulting in a look that merges my experiences and my state of being into the creative process. I also incorporated laser cut along with unconventional material duralar.
Concept, The concept and background story of the project
Silhouette Development
Graphic Transformation and Fabric Manipulation-Hand Crochet
Fabric Manipulation-Machine knitting
Final look, 2023, Machine knitting, hand crochet and laser cut
Details, Details of the back, crochet and laser cut, yarns and duralar.
Details, Details of the torso, machine knitting and crochet.
Details, Details of the side view, machine knitting, crochet and bead button.
Details, Details of the leggings and boots, machine knitting.
Artist Statement
Treating garments as language, I use clothes and accessories to express my observations on the real life of various group of people which I am or was part of, such as modern fans, financial services staff and Mongolians.
I involve existing science theories or social research as visualizing basement, such as the participatory culture and the parallel universe theories. Inspired by rhetorical devices from literature, I prefer to applying metaphor, echo, repetition as logics of manipulating textiles. I am fascinated with using various forms of fabrics to demonstrate the same image.
My silhouette typically shows flowing freely curve shape, describing movement and static, which is sentimental but also joyful and playful. In order to provide breathing space, transparency is an important element of my integral vision.
I believe garments are more than wearing. Garments build an atmosphere, attracting and inviting people sharing similar taste and preferences. For this reason I also involve multi-media to convey the mood and the message behind garments.
Project Description
The theme of my project is to establish a connection between myself and my ethnic group, the Mongolians. Despite not growing up on the grasslands or experiencing the nomadic lifestyle of a herder, I have always felt the influence of my culture through my father’s paintings, participation in ethnic activities such as Nadam, daily dietary habits, and traditional Mongolian music. I sought to find the roots of my emotional connection to my heritage and determine the traces it left on me, leading me to embark on the creation of this project.
In the creative process, I explored how to use the language of fashion to express my state of being. I used the silhouettes of traditional Mongolian clothing, combining two or three pattern pieces and draping them together to create new forms. These new silhouette cannot be traced back to the traditional Mongolian costumes, just as my experiences have made it impossible for me to become a traditional Mongolian living in the grassland. I incorporated traditional Mongolian materials such as leather, fur, wool, and yarn, along with unconventional materials used in daily life such as organza, acrylic, duralar, and synthetic fabrics. Additionally, I used various techniques to showcase traditional Mongolian patterns, such as screen printing, laser cutting, and machine knitting, resulting in a project that merges my experiences and my state of being into the creative process.
The garments created through this process are a reflection of myself. I accept and embrace my current state and use fashion to express my existence. Through this exhibition, I hope not only to express my own existence but also to initiate a relevant discourse that resonates with those who share similar experiences. Furthermore, I hope to introduce Mongolian fashion language into the world of fashion.
As a designer, I believe that fashion can be a powerful medium for personal expression, cultural identity, and a bridge between different cultures. Through this project, I seek to explore my own relationship with my heritage and communicate my experiences to a wider audience, ultimately creating a platform for cultural exchange and mutual understanding. These garments are not only a reflection of my journey but also a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Mongolian people.