My collection “Femme du Pee Pee” was originally thought of while studying abroad this past summer in Paris. While in a history of dress museum, I was very intrigued by the women in the 18th century whose fashion was defined by extreme hoops and corsets. Fashion in the 18th century was so over the top that it made day-to-day life difficult. For example, the upper class had help that waited for them at the restroom whose only job was to assist them in lifting their dramatic hoop skirts to use the bathroom. Our guide in the museum referred to these women as the “femme du pee pees” or “the potty women”. Intrigued by the women whose life was helping maintain the upper-class fashion, I asked what they wore. Interestingly enough these women were given the hand-me-downs of the upper-class women’s clothing in which they would take, rework, and make something new. I was inspired by the way these women could be given old materials, and rework it into something new and fashionable. For my collection “Femme du Pee Pee” I decided to use all unwanted materials, take them apart, and make something new. During this process I acquired a few old blankets and quilts that had been in my family for a several generations and I was able to create modern day clothing from this personal history. After collecting many old pairs of jeans and men’s dress shirts, I begin my deconstruction. With these materials I was able to learn new techniques such as tea dyeing my fabric, and creating a distressed or frayed effect on the denim. “Femme du Pee Pee” was created for the fun, creative woman age 18-30 for spring/summer 2017. This woman prefers to look cool rather than sexy, and is always looking to express herself even when dressing casually, and values unique pieces that support environmental sustainability. She loves to be comfortable when she is hanging out at coffee shops, creating, meeting up with friends, traveling, and just soaking up life. My woman is a college student, a creative, or a professional, who wants to look cute even when she isn’t at work. This woman ties into my personal aesthetic of boxy silhouettes, non-traditional fabric pairings, surface design techniques, and my interest in sustainability. My collection is targeting Everlane as a potential new branch for their online retail stores. Currently, Everlane focuses on transparency and ethical sourcing. “Femme du Pee Pee” would add to their products by repurposing unwanted textiles and further support sustainable movements in the apparel industry. Price estimates would retail from $60 to $220. “Femme du Pee Pee” for me, was all about taking something old and forgotten, and creating something new and beautiful
Illustration
Flat Sketches
Textiles
100% medium weight cotton twill weave (denim jeans)
100% medium weight plain weave
100% medium weight plain weave cotton (chambray and cream fabric)
100% heavy weight knitted cotton (blanket dress and shirt)