Collaborative Unit: Survival of the outfit

Weiting, Slavi, Akriti, Cristèle

Research and Crazy 8s

We started out by doing a set of "crazy 8s," a brainstorming exercise where we each drew eight quick sketches in eight minutes. The purpose of this exercise was to generate a range of ideas and see where our creativity took us. To our surprise, we found that many of our sketches had similar themes and interests. One particular issue that stood out to us was homelessness in the UK.

As we delved deeper into the issue, we found that one of the symptoms of social breakdown was the lack of access to basic necessities, including suitable clothing. This inspired us to focus on designing multipurpose garments that could adapt to different situations and needs, reducing waste and providing a practical solution for those who are struggling.

Following our brainstorming exercise, we were fortunate to meet Claire from Extinction Rebellion, who introduced us to the art of sustainable garment making. This was a game-changer for our project, as we had never tried garment making before. With Claire's guidance, we learned how to trace and measure fabric, which was incredibly useful in the later stages of the making process.

We also learned about the importance of using sustainable materials, such as organic cotton and recycled fabrics, which have a lower impact on the environment than traditional materials. This was an eye-opening experience for us, as we had never considered the impact of our fashion choices on the planet.

The process of designing and making our garments was incredibly enriching for all of us. We had to think creatively and critically about how we could use fashion as a tool for social change. We also learned a lot about sustainable garment making and the importance of considering the environmental impact of our choices.

To support our understanding of our target user, we conducted storytelling interviews which aided us greatly in adding more details to our research.

To better understand the emotional and physical challenges of pregnancy while homeless, we decided to try out a body storming exercise. This involved us simulating the experience of being pregnant by wearing weighted vests and carrying objects that approximated the size and weight of a baby. We also engaged in role-playing exercises to explore the emotions and experiences of pregnant women who are homeless.

This exercise was both challenging and enlightening. It helped us to develop a deeper sense of empathy and understanding for the experiences of pregnant women who are homeless. It also gave us a greater appreciation for the importance of designing clothing that is not only functional but also addresses the emotional and physical needs of pregnant women who are experiencing homelessness.

Development

As we moved into the development stage of the process, we took inspiration from Capalunas, which was pointed out by a member of our team as our literary research was too focused on western ways of carrying children and motherhood. This was a pivotal moment in our research, as we began to explore the materiality of capalunas and how we could develop our own experiential and accessible experience for our peers.

Through this process, we realized the importance of inclusivity and accessibility in garment making. We recognized that by designing for the most marginalized members of our society, we could create garments that were not only functional but also beautiful and meaningful. By focusing on the needs of pregnant homeless women and exploring the different ways in which motherhood is experienced, we were able to create a garment that not only met their needs but also celebrated their resilience and strength.

Despite the challenges we faced in the making process, we were determined to overcome them and create a garment that truly represented our research and insights. One of the main issues we encountered was the difficulty in finding stretchy material that was also affordable and accessible to everyone on the team. This required us to explore different options and get creative with the materials we had available to us.

Another challenge we faced was deciding on the contents that would represent the weight of shared duty of motherhood in our garment. We wanted to find a material that was both realistic and safe to use, while also being easy to manipulate and work with. After much consideration, we eventually settled on rice as the most suitable option. Not only was it easy to obtain and work with, but it also provided the perfect weight and texture to bring our garment to life.

Final prototype & conclusion

One of the key features of our garment was its ability to distribute the weight of carrying a child among a community of women. We wanted to create a sense of shared responsibility and support, reflecting the reality of many homeless pregnant women who rely on the help of others to survive.

To test the prototype, we organized a small performance where a group of people wore the garment and carried a bag filled with rice, representing the weight of a baby. As they walked, the sound of a baby crying was played, adding to the stress and emotional weight of the experience.

It was supposed fo be a powerful and representative moment where people come together and support each other through the shared burden of carrying the weight. The garment performed well, distributing the weight evenly and providing a sense of comfort and support.

Overall, we hoped that our project can serve as a witness of the challenges facing homeless pregnant women and inspire others to find creative solutions to support those in need.