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MODULE INFORMATION BOOKLET （MIB）
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Week 1 (Assignment 01)
I’m glad to have the opportunity to meet Mr. JR again this semester. On the first day of our Fashion Project 01 class, he began by introducing the course outline and giving us a detailed briefing on our first assignment, along with the overall expectations for the semester. This term, each student is required to design and produce two complete garments as part of our personal collection. What makes this project even more exciting is that it’s a collaboration with the iconic sneaker brand Converse, which adds a real-world industry connection to our work.
After the briefing, we immediately began our initial research in class, focusing on exploring and identifying our subject matter and creative direction. Mr. JR emphasized the importance of time management and encouraged us to maintain a high standard of quality in everything we produce. He expressed his hopes that all of us would complete our tasks on time and deliver strong, creative outcomes. I truly appreciate his guidance and expectations, and I am determined to give my best effort throughout this project to achieve excellent results.
Week 2
This week, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Bangkok, Thailand with my classmates and Ms. Maria to participate in the Bangkok Kids International Week. I took part in this event through a collaboration with the designer brand BENT, which made the experience even more special. It was truly unforgettable, as it marked my first time working with a professional designer brand and showcasing my work internationally.
Although we encountered some challenges throughout the process—such as time constraints, coordination issues, and adapting to a new environment—we managed to overcome them and achieved a successful outcome. The experience not only boosted my confidence but also gave me valuable insights into the international fashion industry. I’m proud of what we accomplished and grateful for this meaningful milestone in my journey as a fashion designer.
Week 3
This week, I completed my research on Converse as well as the initial research for my subject matter. For my Converse inspiration, I chose the Converse x Rick Owens Fall/Winter 2024 collection, which features an avant-garde and deconstructed approach that aligns well with my design direction. For my subject matter, I was inspired by the Chernobyl Disaster, as I felt its haunting history and visual intensity could be translated into a powerful design narrative.
Mr. JR and I had several in-depth discussions about how to create a meaningful connection between the Converse footwear and my garment design. We explored various conceptual and material approaches, and eventually decided to focus on fabric manipulation techniques—specifically, creating a “burning denim” effect. This direction allows me to express the destructive and raw energy of the Chernobyl disaster while also reflecting the bold and unconventional spirit of the Rick Owens x Converse collaboration.
Week 4 (Assignment 01 end)
Following last week’s discussion with Mr. JR about the initial concept and research, I focused this week on completing the first stage of my design development. I successfully created 20 design variations based on my chosen concept. After presenting them to Mr. JR, he provided valuable feedback and helped me select the final two looks that will be developed into my final garments.
Once the designs were finalized, he also guided me through the process of creating accurate technical drawings for each look, giving me clear directions and tips to improve clarity and detail. With the technical drawings completed and all content finalized, my Assignment 1 presentation slides are now ready for submission.
Assignment 01 Reflection
Assignment 1 has been a valuable learning experience that helped me grow both creatively and technically. I based my concept on the Converse x Rick Owens FW24 collection and the Chernobyl Disaster, finding a connection through themes of destruction, deconstruction, and transformation. With guidance from Mr. JR, I explored 20 design variations, which pushed me to think more critically and creatively.
After presenting my ideas, we selected the final two looks for development. I also learned how to create technical drawings to clearly communicate my designs, which deepened my understanding of garment construction. Overall, this assignment has strengthened my research, design, and presentation skills, and I feel more confident moving forward with the next phase of the project.
This process also taught me the importance of time management and staying organized. Balancing concept research, design development, and technical work within a tight deadline was challenging, but it helped me build better discipline and focus. I now have a clearer workflow and approach for future projects.
Week 5 (Assignment 02)
This week, I began preparing for Assignment 2, which focuses on fabric manipulation. Before starting the hands-on work, I had a detailed discussion with Mr. JR about my ideas and the specific manipulation techniques I plan to use. He provided me with a lot of helpful feedback and suggestions on how to enhance the texture, structure, and overall visual impact of my fabric treatment.
To source materials, I visited several thrift shops to look for second-hand denim that would be suitable for both my fabric manipulation and final garment construction. One of the main challenges was finding denim pieces in similar shades and fabric weights, as consistency is important for achieving a cohesive look across the manipulated sections and the garment itself. The process was time-consuming, but it helped me better understand the importance of fabric selection in upcycling and sustainability-focused fashion projects.
Week 6 (Assignment 02 end)
This week, I began experimenting with different fabric manipulation techniques to bring my concept to life. I explored various ideas such as burning the fabric with fire and creating raw edges, and fortunately, the results turned out well. The textures and visual effects aligned nicely with the theme of destruction and transformation inspired by the Chernobyl disaster. Since the deadline is approaching, I immediately moved forward with applying these techniques to the actual denim fabrics and completed the manipulation samples by the end of the week.
I created three different fabric manipulations. For the first one, I layered several pieces of denim and carefully burnt the edges of each layer to give it a distressed, charred appearance. For the second technique, I stitched two different denim fabrics together and then frayed the seam to expose raw edges, adding a rough and unfinished aesthetic. The final manipulation combined both methods: layered fabrics with burnt and frayed edges, which created a more dynamic and visually complex texture. Overall, I’m very satisfied with the outcome and feel these manipulations strongly reflect the concept behind my project.
Assignment 02 Reflectiom
Assignment 2 was a hands-on and creatively rewarding experience that allowed me to explore the possibilities of fabric manipulation in relation to my design concept. Inspired by the themes of destruction and transformation from the Chernobyl Disaster and the Converse x Rick Owens FW24 collaboration, I experimented with techniques such as burning and creating raw edges using second-hand denim.
Throughout the process, I tested various ideas and found that layering fabrics, burning the edges, and exposing seams through raw finishes produced the best results. I developed three final manipulation samples: the first involved layered denim with burnt edges, the second featured raw seams connecting different fabrics, and the third combined both techniques for a more visually dynamic effect. These manipulations helped me convey the narrative of decay, resilience, and contrast, while also adding texture and depth to my final garment designs.
Working under time pressure taught me the importance of efficient planning and decision-making. I also gained a deeper appreciation for how surface treatment can enhance storytelling in fashion. Overall, this assignment pushed my creative boundaries and gave me confidence in applying experimental techniques to my work.
Week 7 (Pattern making and first test fit)
I started working on the digital patterns for the two looks selected by Mr. JR from my 20 initial designs. This is my first time creating digital patterns using the CLO3D application, and although it was challenging at first, I found the process surprisingly enjoyable. Once I began to understand the tools and techniques within the software, it became more intuitive and even exciting to see my designs come to life in a 3D environment.
Creating digital patterns is a completely different experience compared to traditional methods like hand-drafting on paper or draping on a mannequin. While each technique has its own process and complexity, they are all interconnected. Understanding how fabric behaves through draping helps inform digital simulation, while hand-drawn patterns provide a foundation for accuracy in digital work. Exploring all three approaches has given me a more well-rounded perspective on pattern making and strengthened my technical skills as a designer.
Week 8
Ms. Alshaima has taught us many useful techniques for using CLO3D, and she has been incredibly patient and supportive throughout the learning process. Whenever I encountered difficulties or got stuck, she took the time to explain things clearly and guide me step by step, which helped me gain more confidence in using the software.
This week, I continued working on my digital pattern, but I still faced several challenges. There were many issues with the fit and structure of my pattern, and a lot of small details needed to be refined to improve the overall outcome. It was a time-consuming process, but also a valuable learning experience.
By completing my digital pattern, I now have a basic understanding of how CLO3D works. I realize that I still have a long way to go and much more to learn about the software. However, at this stage, my main focus is to complete my assignment to the best of my ability while continuing to improve my skills through practice and feedback.
Week 9
After completing my digital pattern in CLO3D, I went to the printing shop to have it printed. Once I had the printed pattern, I began cutting it out using calico fabric to create my first test fit (toile). This step was important to check the proportion, fit, and construction of my design before moving on to the final fabric.
Ms. Alshaima gave me several useful tips for sewing the toile, especially since my final garment will be made from denim. She explained that sewing denim requires different techniques compared to lighter fabrics, such as using specific stitches and seam finishes. Even though I was working with calico, she encouraged me to practice denim sewing techniques on it to prepare myself for the real garment.
This is my first time sewing a denim garment, and although it has been challenging, I’m grateful for Ms. Alshaima’s patience and guidance. She helped correct my sewing mistakes and pointed out areas that needed improvement. Thanks to her support, I’ve gained more confidence in handling heavier fabrics and understanding the construction techniques needed for denim.
Week 10 (Pattern making and test fit done)
This week, I completed the test fit (toile) for Look 1 and presented it to Mr. JR and Ms. Alshaima for feedback. They both gave me helpful advice and suggestions for improving both the pattern and the final garment construction.
One of their key suggestions was to use a round, thicker cup sponge for the corset to give it a better shape and a more structured, polished appearance. They also recommended adjusting the proportions of the jacket by making it more oversized to enhance the silhouette. Additionally, they advised me to increase the length of the skirt to create better overall balance in the look. With their feedback, I now have a clear direction for refining my pattern before moving on to the final denim garment.
This was a crucial stage in the development of my final garments, as it focused on creating and refining the test fit (toile) based on my digital pattern work. This process helped me bridge the gap between digital design and physical construction, allowing me to evaluate the fit, proportions, and functionality of my garments before working with the final fabric.
Through this assignment, I completed the toile for Look 1 and received valuable feedback from both Mr. JR and Ms. Alshaima. They pointed out several areas for improvement, such as using a thicker, rounder cup sponge to enhance the shape of the corset, making the jacket more oversized for a bolder silhouette, and extending the length of the skirt for better balance. Their suggestions helped me see my work from a more professional and practical perspective.
This was also my first time sewing a denim-style garment, and even though I used calico for the toile, I applied denim sewing techniques under Ms. Alshaima’s guidance. Her advice and corrections gave me a better understanding of how to handle heavier fabrics and improve my construction methods.
Overall, this assignment taught me the importance of refining patterns through trial and error, and how small adjustments can significantly impact the final outcome. It also helped me develop a stronger eye for proportion and garment structure, which I will carry forward into the final production stage.
In Week 11, I completed cutting the paper patterns for both Look 1 and Look 2. After finalizing the patterns, I began cutting the actual fabrics for both garments. This marked the beginning of the final construction phase, and I made sure to double-check each pattern piece before cutting to ensure accuracy and minimize fabric waste.
Week 12
In Week 12, I was halfway through the sewing process of Look 1. Unfortunately, I encountered a problem with the corset—the size turned out too big compared to the toile I had previously tested. I wasn’t sure what went wrong, but thankfully, Ms. Alshaima was very patient and helped me troubleshoot the issue. Luckily, I didn’t have to unpick the entire corset; instead, I only needed to adjust a small section at the side to fix the fit.
Additionally, I decided to replace the zipper with eyelets and lacing at the back. This change not only added a more stylish and functional detail to the design, but it also made the corset easier to adjust and fit to the model’s body more accurately.
Week 13
By Week 13, I had mostly completed Look 1 and began working on Look 2. To be honest, I was already behind schedule in starting the second look, which added a lot of pressure with the final presentation just around the corner. However, I am determined to complete it on time and maintain the quality of my work.
I have been working tirelessly every day to ensure that both garments are finished properly and presented in the best possible condition. Although the process is exhausting, I am committed to pushing through and giving my best effort to meet the deadline with work I can be proud of.
Fortunately, I managed to complete both garments in time for the presentation day. Although I feel I didn’t finish everything as perfectly as I hoped, the garments were complete and presentable. During the presentation, I was very nervous, but I still managed to express my ideas and explain my design concept clearly.
Mr. JR and Ms. Alshaima gave me valuable feedback on how to improve Look 2 so it would better match Look 1. They suggested enhancing the surface texture to create a stronger visual connection between both looks. To achieve this, I added bleached textures and used burning techniques on certain areas, similar to those in Look 1. I also revised the hemline to better match the silhouette shown in my design sketches.
Additionally, I took their advice to change the brown inner shirt to white, which gave the outfit a fresher, cleaner look and balanced the overall color composition. I really appreciate their feedback, as it helped me refine my work and bring it closer to my original vision.
Final Presentation Reflection
The final presentation marked an important milestone in my project, and I’m proud to say that I managed to complete both of my garments on time. Although the process was intense and challenging, especially with the tight schedule, I pushed myself to deliver the best results possible. During the presentation, I was extremely nervous, but I managed to communicate my concept clearly and explain the story behind my designs.
Mr. JR and Ms. Alshaima provided me with constructive feedback that helped me see areas for improvement, particularly in Look 2. They pointed out that the texture and detailing in Look 2 didn’t match the visual intensity and theme of Look 1. Taking their suggestions seriously, I went back and modified the garment. I applied bleach to create a textured effect and used controlled burning to better reflect the distressed, post-apocalyptic concept that inspired my collection. These changes helped unify both looks visually and conceptually.
In addition to that, I altered the hemline of Look 2 to better reflect my original design sketch, and I changed the brown inner shirt to white to create a fresher, more balanced overall appearance. These improvements not only brought my work closer to my initial vision but also helped me understand how small adjustments can elevate a garment significantly.
This experience has taught me the importance of staying open to feedback, adapting quickly, and continuing to refine my work even after a deadline. It was a challenging but rewarding journey that has helped me grow as a designer, both creatively and technically.
Overall Self- Reflection
This module has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences in my fashion design journey. From concept development to final garment construction and presentation, I’ve grown both technically and creatively.
Learning to use CLO3D for digital pattern making was a new experience for me. Although it was difficult at first, with Ms. Alshaima’s support, I developed a solid foundation and understood how digital and traditional techniques connect. Creating fabric manipulations with second-hand denim, such as burning and bleaching, helped bring my concept to life and taught me the value of experimentation.
Time management was a major challenge, especially when I fell behind on Look 2. However, I pushed through, completed both looks on time, and even made improvements after receiving feedback from Mr. JR and Ms. Alshaima during the final presentation.
Overall, this module has improved my design process, construction skills, and ability to work under pressure. I’ve learned to stay adaptable, open to feedback, and committed to continuous improvement as a designer.
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