In our era characterized by constant productivity acceleration, the art of traditional textile techniques, their attention to detail, and the use of natural materials are often overlooked. How can craftsmanship, rather than being left behind, help reinvent our current fashion practices? The collection “Resilient Forms” challenges the current state of the fashion industry by functionally reintroducing craftsmanship into our society.
The coats worn by Romanian shepherds in the rugged conditions of the Carpathian Mountains are a prime example of how craft can create functional and weather-resistant garments while using natural materials. Drawing inspiration from this traditional context, the project explores techniques such as knitting and the properties of wool to develop improved garment-making methods for today’s needs.
The heart of this collection lies in the development of a knitted outerwear line. By delving into the evolution of this protective layer, it draws a parallel between the traditional sheepskin coats and their modern counterpart, the oversized puffer jacket. Garments take on a slower and more sustainable approach to contemporary silhouettes.
By bridging the gap between tradition and innovation, the collection “Resilient Forms” is a celebration of the past and a vision for the future, finding harmony between beauty and functionality.
The design process begins with either the puffer jacket or traditional coats. All of the looks feature an exaggerated silhouette inspired by these references. They represent a new take on the puffer jacket and a modernization of traditional folk wear.
The goal was to develop a series of textiles that address contemporary needs. Each technique highlights craftsmanship functionally; for example, felting becomes a waterproof layer, crochet ornaments, patches that reinforce garments, and hand knitting, a new alternative to fur. While these methods honor traditional practices and utilize natural materials, they are sometimes integrated with digital media for example, industrial knitting.