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
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.
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.
