With this look, my goal was to promote a conversation around the complicated history of colonization of America. The prompt was to research and report on different native tribes, their garments, and the complexity of their craft. RISD Museum and Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology provided access to multiple unique garments for research. We could use only white cotton fabric as a design constraint. The second part of the assignment was to develop a background for a photoshoot.
This look consists of 3 pieces.
A flared skirt, shirt, and a cape
I was trying to achieve transformability for the look by creating multiple openings in the garments. Inspired by particular native tribes after my research, there are about ten different looks that the wearer may choose to wear. Wearing garments in a certain way can signify attitude. I found it really interesting that garments can have meaning to the onlookers.
