Student Description

"This design is a two piece costume for Rapunzel. The garment is intended to be used in theatrical performances and then displayed in an exhibition. I have used 100% silk fabrics as they are rich in quality and have many properties that are suitable for costume. The German dirndl is one of my central inspirations for this design as this was the form of clothing in the period and setting that Rapunzel was written in the Brothers Grimm collection of fairy tales in 1812. The colour scheme for my garment is split complementary with amethyst purple and deep emerald green symbolising the plant in which Rapunzel was named after. The main dress is purple, composed of silk dupion. An innovative pattern has been block printed in an emerald green colour onto the main fabric and used for the centre front bodice panels. At completion of my project, I have learnt much about printing. The biggest challenge was to learn about new technology, specifically computers and the laser cutter. This challenge however, proved to be the biggest learning development for me and it allowed me to construct a costume that is irreplaceable. Gold dirndl eyelets have been stitched down the front bodice seams and a pink ribbon is laced through the eyelets across the bodice. The apron is composed of 100% silk satin and features a fitted waistband with a bow tied on the right hip. The apron is deep emerald green. This colour was my initial source of inspiration and an element that I definitely wanted to include in my design. The garment bodice is fully lined for a professional finish. I thoroughly enjoyed the creative processes of my Major Textiles project. My MTP was a labour of love and I very much enjoyed creating something from scratch and manipulating patterns to create something that is truly unique and something that I am proud of."

Images of Work

"Pleating on the apron largely contributes to the success of my project. Using a rich emerald green 100% silk satin, the light illuminates parts of the apron providing depth to the design. The pleating has symmetry to add to the overall aesthetic appeal."

"Block printing can be seen on the centre bodice and lower apron. Using my own design that was inspired by Germany’s national flower - the cornflower, I laser cut a printing block and hand printed the design onto purple silk fabric."

Select Student Folio Pages

The pages selected for each project reflect the individual students' interpretations of the syllabus guidelines for the MTP. Each student should develop their folio according to the guidelines, relating to their own individual project. This may result in a variety of presentation styles, numbers of sketches and/or experiments.