Are you a fashion design student? Are you finally enjoying some rest and a well-deserved holiday, or are you struggling with the sweltering heat? I hear you, some of you might not be able to afford a holiday, while others may be dealing with family or health issues. Life happens, but let’s not give up.
In recent posts, we've explored how artists have subversively transformed uniforms and traditional costumes. Now, let's focus on the urban environment around us. From this context, we can discover architectural or urban elements that can be turned into something innovative or subversive.
For example, consider the narrowest calli in Venice, at times surmonted by arches or "barbacani" (wooden or stone brackets supporting overhanging first floors). An example of a narrow walkway in Venice is Calle Lunga dell'Accademia dei Nobili on the island of Giudecca in Venice.What could the narrow calle surmonted by the two distinctive arches become? A cut-out motif? A print? An accessory? A hair barrette, perhaps?
And what about a section of cracked pavement with debris scattered around, that reveals a rough texture incorporating litter, including a section of a glass bottle, paper and plastic wrappers, leaves and small bits of organic materials. Could that inspire a collage of materials? A new fabric or a textile treatment that may blend natural and human-made elements, highlighting the intersection of urban decay and environmental detritus?
It's up to you. Always remember to observe your surroundings with fresh eyes, regardless of where you are or what you're going through. Turn things around by seeing and reinventing the world around you, that's the best thing you could do to overcome challenges and make the most out of any situation, especially an unpleasant one.
