Miao: Statement of Intent

The concept of our group project is the idea of exploring cultural appropriation or 'orientalism' through the investigation of contemporary urban culture.

It initially began with primary research by exploring traditional Miao embroidery and concentrating specifically on the motifs and compositions within each piece and then beginning to infer the meanings behind each one. This then developed into the workshops, which within we were encouraged to collage the traditional embroideries and produce original, contemporary inspired outcomes. The lines and geometric-style elements incorporated in some original and collaged Miao textiles inspired me to begin my research into contemporary structural designs, and also consider the subcultures or indigenous individuals becoming appropriated and adapting to fit modern society.



Miao embroidery Collage composition



My initial research into urban environments consists of articles from Aestheitica Magazine containing work from photographer Matthias Heiderich  and Camille Wa La La's Urban installations which both show the concept of injecting colour and interest in an area that would have been otherwise overlooked. I believe this concept reflects the motion of 'Cultural Appropriation', due to the idea of colourful and interesting individuals of different races and beliefs coming together to create a multicultural society, much like small Chinese subcultures moving into the buzz of urban life.  

I intend to continue research into fashion collections reflecting elements of both traditional Miao embroidery, and also contemporary takes on tradition that reflect urban or contemporary style.

Kenzo AW 12- Urban Inspiration

Post Tutorial: 

• Start to finalise a concise story, aligning my concept to my developments and ideas. 
• Take a less minimal approach to sketchbook work, linking fashion ideas to drawings and textural samples.