The Lectra Outstanding Faculty Designer Award recognizes outstanding creative design. The award includes a Premier Vision and a visit to Lectra Headquarters in Paris, France.
Roiling Water is inspired by our current zeitgeist, which is one of chaotic political, socio-economic, technological, and environmental turbulence. Unpredictable and violent weather conditions shift our focus to elements beyond our control. Scarce or excessive global water resources vie to raise concerns that green environmentalism is becoming aqua.
Developed using subtraction cutting techniques, the dress features minimal seaming. No closures or facings mar the bias-cut, reversible rayon damask. Roiling hues of teal, khaki green and murky black surge about the circular whirlpool openings.
Dressing is an adventure in identifying unique ways to tunnel through unexpected openings and arrange the fabric extensions—like searching for sanctuary from violent weather. A meaningful respite from the turmoil was found in the "slow" crafting of the felted waist "girdle", whirlpool openings (neck, armholes, openings) and back. Predominantly wool fibers were carded and blended to produce the desired hues before needle felting them to the dress in Hokusai-like waves.
Congratulations Professor Kallal!