Abstract
Artists often use their medium to express identity — both how society views others and how we view ourselves. This paper uses the case study of an experimental undergraduate fashion design studio and digital fabrication course, where various levels of undergraduate students work in tandem with opera singer trainees and student musicians to explore the relationship of identity and social narrative. Through their joint experience in concept development, which includes an innovative series of Opera Costumes for a modern take on Mozart’s Don Giovanni, a new vision for this classical piece is emerging through both artistic critique of the current social and political zeitgeist embodied in ‘me too’ movement, and the application of digital fabrication. Through discussion of this example, we hope to illustrate how critical application of social commentary can be utilized as a springboard for entry level fashion designers to apply their technical skills in garment construction, and how enabling these kinds of design challenges in undergraduate programs may help in preparing them for future innovative opportunities within professional practice.
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Identity, Fashion, Design, Studio, Digital Fabrication, Opera, Emerging Technology. Zeitgeist
