The thesis titled "Unisex Collection OZERÒ Based on Dance Culture" explores the possibilities of designing a contemporary clothing collection. The author investigated the influence of ballet and hip-hop subculture on clothing design. Drawing from her 18-year dance career, which encompasses both genres, the author showcased the design process using sustainability principles and upcycling techniques for a unisex ready-to-wear collection. She delved into the sustainability of materials and their functionality in movement. Within the collection's silhouettes, she sought contrasts between narrow and wide shapes, contemplating movement and the relationship to the body. Drawing inspiration from the ballet performance "Swan Lake," she placed her final personas, avatars, on an icy winter planet. The collection photoshoot took place in Iceland, a land of fire and ice.
In the theoretical part, the history of ballet is described, including the dancers' relationship with their bodies, along with examples of ballet aesthetics appearing in contemporary fashion (the so-called "balletcore" trend). Among other things, the author also explored the study of movement called "Dance Curves," as depicted by the painter Wassily Kandinsky, which she utilized in the practical part for rendering the silhouettes in the collection. Within the context of ballet culture, the author delved into the history and sustainability of denim in connection with hip-hop icons during the period between 1990 and 2000 (Missy Elliott). In the conclusion of the theoretical part, she examined the significance of sustainability in contemporary fashion, emphasizing the design of recycled materials. As an example of a sustainable design principle, she created eyewear in the practical section, aligning with the theoretical foundation of 3D fashion accessory design, thereby encapsulating the final appearance of the OZERÒ collection.
In the practical segment, the author designed a sustainable collection based on upcycling principles, utilizing used jeans in various shades and worn-out ballet slippers from the Ljubljana Opera. Many pointe shoes are discarded daily, as ballerinas can no longer use them after three performances due to wear. Throughout the design process, she emphasized the functionality and usability of the garments. The styling also included her own footwear upcycled from jeans and ballet slippers, along with a collection of eyewear designed and produced using 3D design software and 3D printing equipment. The experimental part encompassed the development of original patterns realized through digital printing.
The objective of the thesis was to create an original sustainable unisex clothing collection consisting of 8 final silhouettes. The collection was conceived with contrasts between the subtlety of ballet and the rawness of streetwear. An additional aim was to raise awareness about the importance of sustainability and the potential for creating value-added products from existing items. For the purpose of the research, the author crafted a sustainable collection upcycled from discarded ballet slippers and old jeans products, capturing the contrast within the two dance cultures. The author was particularly interested in the response and impact of such design approaches on present and future society and the textile industry.
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