My thesis, entitled Odyssey of a Stranger, presents a collection of women's clothing and explores themes of migration, identity and personal growth, all through the prism of my experiences in Ljubljana. The research involves examining the evolution of my emotions and relationships over time, the challenges and difficulties I have encountered in the migration process. At the core of my work is an exploration of identity, belonging, and cultural adaptation.
The theoretical segment of my thesis examines the intersection of psychology and fashion, specifically exploring how the human brain copes with adversity and depression, and how these experiences can lead to personal transformation. It encompasses a comprehensive overview of research on mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and positive psychology. The subsequent section introduces unconventional materials in the realm of fashion, such as silicone, resin, and plexiglass. In this exploration, I delve into their chemical compositions and various methods of manipulation, shedding light on their unique properties.
The practical part of the project involves the design and production of a collection that subtly reflects a psychological journey through different emotional areas – from depression and nostalgia to processes of rebirth and growth. Each design element expressively symbolises different stages of this transformation process. In the first step, I devote myself to research and analysis, abstracting feelings into poetic poems that serve as the basis for experimentation with unusual materials, as I seek to uncover the potential of certain materials to express certain emotions, which then shape the progression through the development of six silhouettes, each representing an extremely important segment of the personal journey. The silhouettes themselves are constantly changing according to each stage of development. There is also a strong focus on the colour palette of the collection, which moves from deep and melancholic tones to vibrant and energetic shades, with each colour combination being extremely expressive of the shifts and changes I have experienced.
The overarching objective of my thesis was to create an experimental clothing collection that pushes the boundaries of conventional fashion, while also forging a connection between psychology and fashion. Drawing from my own experiences and adopting an abstract approach to the creative process, I have developed an original clothing collection that serves as a visual representation of the poems at its core.
Through this interdisciplinary exploration, I aim to provide a unique perspective on the transformative power of personal experiences, combining elements of psychology and fashion to create a collection that resonates on multiple levels.
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