My design consists of a floor length skirt and bodice set, which is designed to represent the beauty of regeneration in Australian eucalypt forests, specifically after the 2019-2020 Australian bushfires. This design showcases a range of native Australian flora, combined with inspiration from Alexander McQueen’s collections. This set is designed to be worn to the 2024 Earth shot prize awards which is a ‘green carpet event’ held in recognition of fundraising for environmental issues. When designing this set I learnt that mixing colours of the teal and black tulle gave a bigger emphasis on the skirt, which also highlights the intricate embellishment of the bodice. During my time constructing this garment I learnt and experimented with dyeing pieces of ivory tulle to achieve a natural eucalypt colour. The most valuable thing I learnt during the creation of my major work was the ability to use Adobe Indesign to create my portfolio. Additionally, the most enjoyable experience of creating my major work was beading intricate and realistic gum blossoms which allowed me to learn new and innovative beading techniques. Creating my major textiles project had some challenges. One of the challenges I faced was realising that my original design, a dress, was not suitable as the weight of the skirt could not be supported by the narrow straps. To overcome this, I changed the design to become a bodice and skirt which has the added benefit of making the design more sustainable as it allows for the garments to be worn together or separately to create new outfits. My garment has many aesthetic and functional features, some aesthetic features include colourful beads seen on the bodice of the dress, which represents specific types of gum blossoms in the Australian landscape. By experimenting to achieve the most aesthetically pleasing eucalypt green colour for the tulle of the skirt, I was able to refine my skills in textile dyeing through a process of trial and error. The eucalypt colour of the tulle composed with the black allows for unity between the skirt and bodice of the garment. My garment also is composed of many functional features, including a zipper fastener for the skirt, interfacing to add structure to the bodice and waistband, topstitching for increased durability, understitching of the bodice lining and adjustable closure methods such as Rouleau loops and multiple hooks and eyes on the bodice which allows for people with different bust sizes to wear the garment.
