Going off of the idea that tribes in Africa have only been utilized for surface inspiration which then becomes commercialized, this quote completely embodies this notion.
Immediately, I began looking various books having to deal with the development of tribes all over africa and the different qualities that they posses. Whenever I found an image that might have inspired the collection, I would trace over its shapes for future ideas.
After gaining pages of inspiration, I started trying to create samples of my own textiles. I LOVE creating my own textile.
One of 4 attempts at creating m own textile. Perhaps this might have been a bit too primitive. Maybe enlarging it will make for a beautiful print for a future collection. Too literal for right now.
Early ideas for beading on top of fabric or prints in the collection.
Another option for a type of beading. At this point I'm defintiely using beading as a detail. I leaned more towards this organic, uneven beading as it was more in line with the direction of the collection. The swarovski crystals might have been a bit too trendy. Less organic.
Knitting sample for a look within the collection. I'm in love with the color.
Another detail I gravitated towards based from the inspiration of masks is PLEATING!! The smaller pleating matched my aesthetic more than the enlarged pleating. I loved it! These are samples of it on pleather and wool. Two potential fabrics for the collection.
Finally decided upon a color scheme and primary print. Kept notes of small details of potenital colo changes, beading placement, and closures.
I tried pleating on organza as well.
I tried pleating on suede with and without interfacing. In both cases it proved to be too bulky.
I brought the crackle paint into Photoshop and dropped various colors trying to see what worked best.
Muslin samples of one of the looks. Surprisingly, trying to shape the pleating around the body wasn't difficult.
Technical flat with Illustration. I chose to recreate the bowl wit leaves as an accessory to remain as true as possible to the inspiration. Same for the faux shoes. During rituals and ceremonies, females within some of the tribes wore ties around their ankles resembling frayed strands or beads.
