yukata – Feligood

About

For the project Touch, I got the role of being the heroine. Hence, based on the initial design that I have made, the kimono-inspired outfit may fit a female warrior. Using $2/meter (the cheapest fabric available), I created a prototype of the mini kimono dress.

References

However, at the end of the day, Galina created a different pattern. I wanted it without sleeves first, so there is no sleeve patterns.

First Prototype

I made a prototype first in order not to waste expensive material. However, the downside is I can’t see the drapping of using such hard material. Still, I prefer to do this prototyping step so that I can keep the already cut pattern for future use (yeay I would be able to make my own clothes! one step at a time).

Above was fresh from the sewing machine, and I tried to wear it. Pretty cool, I wouldn’t mind to make another ‘cardigan’ but not for this project. I like big collars tho.

Above is the first drapping on a mannequin. Hmmmmm, no.

Second drapping…Looks like my mom’s dress. no.

FINALLY OKAY DONE. The next step is to pin them, try wearing it, and draw lines at all the folded part.

Look fat here, wearing the kimono… i asked my mom why, and she said it’s probably because of the fabric type. Yeah, I need to buy the more flowy and thin fabric to really see the real piece. Rather than on the details and ornaments, I really pay attention to the cutting of an outfit. So, even if a dress is made of thousands of beautiful crystals/diamonds/whatever but it makes me look rounder/shorter/weird/off I wont wear it.

Reflection

Hmmm, my design is so simple compared to my other friends. There is no need for boiling fabric or anything, it kinda worry me…. But again, the character is a warrior, who didn’t know that she would be a warrior (yeah, inspiration came after my skype-ing session with Angeline), so she might be just a peasant before she fight with the ‘giant’.

However, I think I would need a second layer for my kimono.

I think I will re-design my first design to get better visualization of it.

Overall, this is a very valuable, precious experience :))))))) I’m so happy that finally I make a clothing!!! Didn’t see this coming because NTU has no fashion major :/

Story

A heroine in the third space utopia would fight against the giant, the disturbance, despite her small size and limitation. She didn’t know she could, and would be a warrior.

Inspiration

Japanese Yukata is the inspiration. First is because, I am a practical person. Looking at my schedule and deadlines, I think I should come up with a feasible and ‘safe’ design first. Anything simple can be more detailed with for e.g. accessories. So I was thinking of a robe. But a mere robe will look like a peasant instead. So, something more war-like, and it’s the Japanese warrior who wears ‘war robe’, aka Samurai. But I want it to be short, because it would be easier for me to move around, and hence it would be yukata with a short length.

First Design

Inspired from the Yukata, the body part resemble Yukata. However, I was thinking of modifying the sleeves to make it more flowy. Yukata’s sleeves are squarish, my hand movement won’t be so clear to be shown in the performance. So, a drapping sleeves would be better I guess. It can be the spot where I can install stretch cord/sensor as well. In this design, I’m still confused about where should I install the lights.

Second (Revised) Design

In the revised version, I have thought of more details and where I should put the electronics. The color would be black, because it is the color of Japanese warrior in the past. Initially I wanted to use red as a symbol of courage, but black is more classy and as a very very noob beginner in fashion-making, let me use safe color first.

BUT, not everything would be black. Black is only the ‘base’, aka the robe. I would like to make a ornamented belt instead of just the traditional Yukata belt. It would be silver (yeah I have the material since last year so it’s the right time to use it), and it would have lights underneath it. The lights will spread out, with the waist as the ‘source’. These lights would be the source of colors: sign that the warrior is ready to fight as her inner courage and faith are strengthened.

Now, I’m confused about the sleeves material. The robe would be made of ‘bridal satin’ (which I have bought YEAYYYYY) but the sleeves I am still not sure.

I’m thinking of having canvas ribbon wrapped around my feet and arms for the accessories, but it is still tentative.

to be continued…

Tag: yukata

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