My Major Textiles Project is a Costume designed to be worn to 'Il Ballo Grande' at Scuola Grande di San Rocco, situated in the heart of Venice. The event celebrates the contribution Italy has had on the global fashion industry. As a young woman who is of Italian heritage and fluent in the language, I draw inspiration from Gianni Versace’s prestigious fashion house, where their desire is to celebrate the power of women. My MTP serves as a tribute to his enduring legacy and a reinvention of a glamorous modern day ‘Versace woman,’ illustrating the lasting impact of Gianni Versace's significant contributions to Italian fashion. Challenged with the crafting of a tight-fitting corset, I gained valuable insights into the intricate art of constructing a structured corset. The corset closure features eyelets laced with a gold chain and this enables the wearer to adjust and fit the garment to their body. Reigning France throughout the Renaissance era, Catherine De’ Medici (1519-1589) earned the title of ’The Black Queen’ as a result of her involvement in France’s bloody wars. Drawing inspiration from her glamorous yet dark history, the MTP exudes elegance within its rich undertones. Combining my passion for embroidery with the powerful essence of the Medici era, the self-patterned embroidery on the bodice proved to be a labour of love, taking over four months to complete due to its intricacy. Whilst mastering various Goldwork techniques presented its challenges, I found immense pleasure in experimenting with diverse embroidery techniques, including basketweave and chipping. The precision required for the embroidery was extremely demanding, however it deepened my appreciation for the art of embroidery-Goldwork. The Industrial Revolution is known for its significant technological advancements, profound impact on the environment and quality of life. The floral embellishments which are made from silk play as a metaphor for the environment within the time period; emphasising nature’s once healthy and clean aspect - now stained with ash and pollution. Sombre poetry written about the Industrial Revolution is digitally printed on the lining, outlining the poor working conditions during this time. The sensitivity of the fabric was extremely challenging to work with, however, I learned the importance of experimenting with different fabric variations and techniques. Challenged to use a laser cutter to emboss the bodice and cut cogg motifs demonstrates the Industrial Revolution’s introduction of these revolutionary manufacturing tools and contribution to the fashion industry.
