The Hive

Jung Eun Lee, Courtney Murphy
Virginia Tech

Keywords: Bee hive, honeycomb, 3D design, fabric arts

Nature has been a long-time inspiration resource in the fashion industry. Natural world inspirations have provided tremendously unique styles and color ideas. Recently, Burberry Prorsum S/S 2015 took inspiration from the birds and the bees; and Alexander McQueen S/S 2013 Ready-to-Wear was inspired by a honeycomb. Inspiration of this presented outfit was derived from a honeycomb. Over 100 layers of fabric were ironed and attached using fusible bonding webs. Then, attached fabrics were cut to create the 3D hive shape. Draping method was used for creating patterns and the 3D shape. Using monochromatic and light color tones, viewers will focus more on the structure of the skirt. In addition, the gold hexagon elements around the neck area were used to move the viewer's eyes from the skirt to the face areas and give balance between the skirt and top. The hexagon elements also created a cohesive theme of the hive as a whole outfit. This clothing has a unique and abnormal shape and provides an avant-garde look. In our knowledge, no previous design has the same or similar type of fabric and/or garment shape. The skirt is also travel friendly; it can be folded and flatted. Therefore, this clothing provides a new perspective in terms of creating new 3D surface fabric and unique garment shapes.

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