Rationale Report

Introduction: Character Fashion Design Challenge

            The Technology Student Association (TSA), an organization made of students interested in technology, holds multiple state and national competitions each year. TSA utilizes STEM – science, technology, engineering, and mathematics – to create different categories and events for state and national competitions. My partner, Alyssa, and I used one of their events as inspiration for our senior project. We must create two outfits for a fairytale character of our creation. The two outfits must be inspired by marine organisms and involve an educational aspect. I have created three alternate solutions for this project after researching different marine organisms. The rationale below determines which alternate solution best suits the project.

 

Comb Jelly Alternate Solution

Introduction

            My first alternate solution resembles a comb jelly. Comb jellies possess bioluminescent abilities and appear to pulse through the water. Glow-in-the-dark sequins sewn onto the shirt in lines appear similar to the comb jelly bioluminescent features. Lightweight and non-fitting material mimics the comb jelly’s pulsing movement through the water.
 

Pros

            This alternate solution clearly displays the resemblance between the shirt and a comb jelly. This shirt does not require many different sewing stitches. The chiffon material making up the shirt costs very little. The glow-in-the-dark sequins cost around ten dollars for a large pack. Material does not affect the shirt’s production. The shirt’s ability to glow can easily be displayed on stage. The shirt can effortlessly be taken on and off for quick-changes backstage. The shirt looks professional and feels comfortable for the wearer.
 

Cons

            Although this outfit seems easier to make than the other two solutions, I would have to order the sequins online and then sew each one on the shirt by hand. Sewing each one on requires time and tedious work. The sequins may not glow on the shirt as well as intended. Sewing shirts proves to be more difficult than sewing a simple dress. The chiffon material may be more on the expensive side. This shirt may also be too casual for a stage costume.

 

Conclusion

            Overall, this solution proves to be viable and relatively easy to produce. This solution consists of a shirt that resembles a comb jelly. Glow-in-the-dark sequins sewn onto the shirt create a bioluminescent effect, mimicking the comb jelly.

 

Cuttlefish Alternate Solution

Introduction

            A cuttlefish inspired this dress. Cuttlefish change color using special color pigments that open and close depending on their surroundings. They use this characteristic to camouflage themselves and intimidate prey. Special fabric paint allows the garment to change color in sunlight. Wire sewn into the bottom mimics the cuttlefish’s movement.

 

Pros

            This alternate solution proves to be very unique. The dress would stand out on stage. The dress seems quite comfortable for the wearer, especially an actress on stage. Changing in and out of it would not be difficult.

 

Cons

            This alternate solution would not be easy to produce. The wire would have to be sewn into the bottom by hand. Obtaining the color-changing fabric paint/ink is difficult and expensive. I am not sure how the fabric would react to the ink either. Showing the dress’s ability on stage would not be easy; the paint requires sunlight or UV rays to change color. The dress requires difficult sewing techniques.

 

Conclusion

            All in all, this solution would not be viable to make. The fabric paint to mimic the cuttlefish changing color is expensive and may not work. Showing the dress’s ability to change color in sunlight would also be difficult on the stage.

 

Jellyfish Alternate Solution

  Introduction

            A jellyfish inspired this dress. Lightweight chiffon ruffles sewn into the bottom mimic the jellyfish’s tentacles. Jellyfish possess the ability to glow in the dark. LED lights sewn into the bottom of the ruffles imitate the jellyfish’s ability to glow.

 

Pros

            This alternate solution proves to be great for stageplay. The LED lights can easily be displayed on stage. The dress is elaborate enough for a stage costume.

 

Cons

            The dress may be hard to put on and off during quick changes backstage. Assembling the dress would be the most difficult part of this solution. I would have to individually sew each ruffle onto the bottom of the dress. This seems to be time-consuming and tedious to create. Measuring the dress would be difficult because of the high-low style. The dress requires a lot of fabric. The dress may not be very comfortable for the wearer either.

 

Conclusion

            Overall, this solution does not meet all of the requirements of the project. The dress would be time-consuming and difficult to assemble.

 
 

See Design Matrix

Conclusion

            Out of the three alternative solutions, the comb jelly shirt is the most viable for this project. According to the design matrix, the first solution is the best choice to further develop, design, and make. The shirt is the least expensive and easily shows its ability to glow on stage. The comb jelly shirt is my chosen solution.