Kambaba
Arjahn Cox has created a four-look collection based on the desires and needs of four different muses. Muses were found via general survey, chosen based on their responses, interviewed, measured and designed for, leading to final garments and outcomes.
This page highlights the work for and the experience of one muse: SwanSwan
Interview
Clip
Full Video
Each Muse was interviewed to find out their desires and needs in reference to their clothing choices and self-expression. The desires and needs expressed in these interviews were then used to inform the clothing that was created for the muses.
Design Process
Designs were made from a mix of Kambaba's stated preferences from their interview and Arjahn’s interpretation of their wants and needs relating to Kambaba's fashion choices and identity.
Moodboard
Focusing on flowy garments, layering, warm colors, and earth tone colors
Design Information Derived from Interview
Interview Excerpts
In her interview, Kambaba spoke on their identity and how she navigates feeling valid in her identity as well as the concept of gender autonomy.
Design Iterations
Final Design
Final Lineup
Design Approval
In keeping with the intent of prioritizing the wearer’s experience, muses were asked to approve designs and to make sure they would be comfortable wearing what was designed for them.
Making Process
Top Pattern Planning
Skirt and Hood Pattern Planning
Patterning for Asymmetric Skirt with attached hood.
Hood was created by draping the shape on a water bottle and then sizing it up
Due to the muses’ body types being excluded from the sample size and binary gender model of fashion design, all patterns were made without the use of slopers and made using the measurements of the muse.
Fitting
Materiality
Materiality was used to meet Kambaba's desire of warm tone colors. The main methods used were hand dyeing and pleating.
Dye and Fabric Planning
Materiality Goal
Envisioned to use dyed pleated fabric
Dyeing
Attempted top fabric dyeing,
however dye did not stay
Pleated Fabric washed and ready to be dyed
Skirt fabric dyed via ombré dip dying
Hood fabric dyed via tie dye spray bottle method
Dyeing Outcomes
Final Photos
Photos by Lucre Visual Media
Photos were taken with the motive
of muses being themselves and feeling comfortable and confident in the garments. Photos were taken at a mansion in New York with the intent of showing the muses in a grandiose environment and taking up space in a place that is historically exclusionary.