ABOUT

Beginning this project via an online deep-dive into my concept, I thought about how I could fully consider neurodivergence as the spectrum that it is. I discovered content creators on YouTube, discussed my project with neurodivergent peers, and made many lists and mind-maps whilst watching videos. I also analysed a previous WGSN report that perfectly complements the spectrum I aimed to capture, allowing me to embrace and use my own neurodivergence within the project.
As my research and experimentation developed, so did the inspiration and influences on my design development. I used my own impulsive nature at times to make decisions about the garments and textiles, working with this spontaneity as it naturally occurred. This is where it became necessary to allow and nurture the contrast between my own neurodivergent traits and consider how I would use this to my advantage. The main aspect of my impulsiveness is the Dungarees, being created a week before our test shoot.

Bringing Control through Impulsiveness

Organised Chaos comes to mind, darting from one idea to another, and embracing my impulsiveness within how I worked. This included holding onto a few spontaneous thoughts and developing them into something meaningful, whilst maintaining the level of simplistic comfort that considers the sensory influences from my research. Soft materials and simple textile designs were key in ensuring that my audience won’t become over-stimulated by simply wearing them. The dungarees mentioned above were created by upcycling a double duvet cover and using ice-dyeing for a fun yet subtle textile design over the existing print. Excess dyed material was then used for elements of the other garments, interlinking all pieces through the collection colour palette. This sense of control continued through the use of expressive motion for the textile paint seen on the jacket sleeves, painting each stroke directly onto the material as a way of overcoming difficulties faced when attempting this idea digitally.
2024 was the completion date but this project was mostly done a year prior.