My MTP aims to raise awareness about coral bleaching's environmental impact. The dress uses vibrant colours to represent healthy coral and white to symbolise bleaching. It's suitable for formal events but designed for gallery or museum display to reach a wider audience and gain political exposure. The mid-length dress, with a fitted bodice and a mix of satin and sheer fabrics, blends high fashion elements with versatility for informal wear. Overall, the dress serves as a visually impactful way to communicate the urgent issues facing coral reefs, combining both style and substance. My most enjoyable moment while creating the dress would be realising the final design. This includes the satisfaction of seeing my vision come to life, incorporating the vibrant colours and intricate details inspired by coral reefs. The joy had come from successfully translating my creative concept into a tangible, aesthetically pleasing garment. On the other hand, the greatest challenge was managing the technical aspects of the design, especially considering the use of diverse fabrics, textures, and dyeing techniques. Balancing functionality with aesthetics, such as ensuring the dress's wearability while maintaining its visual impact, had presented challenges. Additionally, addressing the intricate details, like achieving the desired fade in colour to represent coral bleaching, posed complexities in execution. Overcoming these challenges required a combination of creative problem-solving and technical skills, making the completion of the dress even more rewarding. Through the process, I learned to balance functionality and aesthetics in design. Addressing technical challenges like fabric choices and dyeing techniques honed my problem-solving skills. The importance of conveying a meaningful message through fashion became evident. The dress seamlessly combines both functional and aesthetic elements for enhanced wearability and visual appeal. Functionally, a comfortable blend of polyester and viscose forms the lining, while the invisible zipper closure down the back ensures easy wear and a slimming effect. Dimensional stability is maintained with satin and tulle fabrics, resisting shrinkage over time. Aesthetically, inspired by coral bleaching, the colour scheme blends blues with warm oranges and pinks, symbolising the environmental impact. Dyeing techniques create a gradual fade, adding depth. The design features organic lines resembling coral formations, achieved through wavy and curved lines, with flounces contributing to undulating patterns. Geometric circles add a 3D effect through Marble Shibori heat texturising. Tactile textures, asymmetrical balance, rhythmic elements, and a textured focal point create a harmonious overall design, unifying form and function.
