Sensory Aesthetic: Non-Visual Aspects of Aesthetic Enjoyment
An collection of customizable handbags that explores aesthetic enjoyment beyond visuals. The collection aims to make the joy of self expression accessible to everyone through texture, including those with visual impairments or differences in sensory perception.
The final collection is completely customizable and consists of three detachable straps, four knitted bag fronts, four leather backs and three knitted side panels that clip and zip together to create multiple texture combinations.
The collection reimagines what fashion accessories could be if texture was the primary focus. The final lookbook featured bags customized and modeled by other students, in order to showcase the possibilities.
PROCESS:
I used materials like hot glue, yarn, plastic netting and sticky notes to explore texture in my early sketchbook work. I focused on lines, textures and raised patterns, which I incorporated into my textile samples as my technical skills progressed.
I added texture to my initial textile samples with padded pockets and ripples created on a double bed knitting machine. I also created lacy, fluffy and loopy textures using a variety of partial knit techniques, and I explored the possibility of textured knit appliques by incorporating digital embroidery.
I conducted extensive market research in tandem with textile development, including pulling color palettes from iconic fashion accessory brands in order to understand how color palettes change according to price point and target market. This data also allowed me to identify colors that were considered staples across all brands and analyze how each brand uses statement colors to differentiate their line.
Pictured above: Sample pages from my visual and contextual research files, including lookbook inspiration and projects by textile and product designers who address texture and aesthetic enjoyment in their work.
Pictured above: 1) Padded ripple knit in progress on knitting machine. 2) Recording stitches in technical file. 3) Testing different yarns and types of padding. 4) Draping ripple knit sample on rough cardboard mockup in order to start visualizing the final product.
I constructed my first working prototype with cardboard, hot glue and cheap zippers to test and refine the concept and used my technical file and knit samples to calculate and complete fully fashioned pieces. Some trial and error was involved as different yarns stretched across the form differently (bottom row) and tension issues were frequent due to the necessity of a flat edge that would later wrap around the bag structure.
Pictured above: 1) Gluing silky fringe in place. 2) Attaching and reinforcing pompom fabric. 3) Designing leather strap details. 4) Embroidering logo on bag lining. 5) Lining made from woven fabric and thin card lining, ready to glue to bag structure. 6) Gluing lining with side zipper. 7) Shaping and gluing leather
Pictured above: 1) Zipping front and side piece together. 2) Completed embroidered logo. 3) Leather button closure and chain strap. 4) Inside of bag before front is zipped on. 5) Detachable knit strap.
