Two is Better Than One - Design Portfolio

Two is Better Than One

Wearable garment that reflects aspects of cultural imperatives through experimentation with repurposed materials reminding us of “Home”

Arts & Crafts Culture & Heritage

Overview

"What is Home?" sparked a discussion between my peer and I, as we explored the intersections of our personal home experiences. Language emerged as a prominent aspect of our connection. Language serves as a means of communication within a specific community, encompassing its own unique culture. Interestingly, both of us were fluent in French alongside our native languages. Motivated by this shared linguistic background, we embarked on a collaborative project centered around the prevalence of French influence in Middle Eastern and African countries. Our research led us to delve into the topics of colonization and culture, which shed light on the reasons behind the adoption of this language in our respective countries. We aimed to create a wearable accessory or garment that would encapsulate these themes.

Approach

In order to embody the notions of colonization and culture within our wearable piece, we decided to combine them by designing earrings and incorporating fabric as a significant element. To bring our vision to life, we utilized foam board to shape Belgium and France, carving out the outlines of our own countries, Rwanda and Lebanon, respectively. We then visited fabric stores to select two pieces that evoked the essence of home for us. One piece showcased traditional African patterns, while the other featured oriental fabric, reminiscent of the wallpaper in my childhood home in Beirut. Prior to cutting the fabric, we attached the top parts of a pair of earrings we had purchased to the foam board shapes. Finally, we merged the fabric with the carved shapes, creating a cohesive representation of our intertwined identities and the cultural influences we carry with us.

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