Description

Papillon Violet is a sculptural evening gown inspired by the delicate movement and structural beauty of a butterfly in motion, translating organic form into a refined, architectural silhouette. Flowing layers of lustrous violet satin cascade into a fluid draped skirt, evoking softness, elegance, and graceful movement. While the sculptural bodice and sheer contoured sleeves reference the gentle curvature of butterfly wings. The softly muted corsetry introduces a contrast between structure and transparency, revealing the internal construction as an intentional design feature that celebrates both craftsmanship and architectural form. The layered manipulation of fabric across the torso and hips enhances dimension and texture, producing a dynamic interplay between rigidity and fluidity. Through its harmonious balance of softness and strength, Papillon Violet captures the ephemeral beauty of transformation, combining natural inspiration with contemporary couture techniques to create a statement piece that embodies elegance, innovation, and artistic expression.

Images of Work

"The dress features a dramatic draped bodice with heavy ruching and pleating that cinches the waist and cascades down the skirt. The fabric has a lustrous sheen, reflecting light and giving the garment a luxurious feel. The colour is a vibrant, deep blue. The style is opulent and theatrical, with a clear emphasis on texture and volume created by the intricate fabric manipulation. The overall aesthetic is one of sophisticated glamour and dramatic elegance."

"Strapless corset with a skin tone foundation. Over the bodice, a sheer, pleated fabric in a vibrant medium blue drapes dramatically. The structure in the sheer is kept in place with fishing line and cord. This blue fabric is pleated horizontally, creating texture and volume. It forms off-the-shoulder sleeves or decorative straps that extend outward, suggesting a whimsical or ethereal aesthetic. The overall aesthetic is one of elegant drama and soft fluidity, with a strong contrast between the matte pinstriped bodice and the shining satin skirt, all softened by the airy, pleated blue overlay."

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.