Aleksandra Gudkova

Department: Man and Communication

WRITTEN CLOTHING

WHAT
Clothing based on written descriptions of garments in literature as a new way of initiating the design process.

WHY
In fashion, words describe clothing after it has been designed. What happens if you start with words instead, so the description determines the design?

HOW
In ‘The Trial’, by Franz Kafka, clothing is simply a tool to set a scene, or describe a specific act. Take the phrase: “Angrily, he threw the coat onto the table.” Here the anger of the wearer suddenly creates a connection between the coat and the table. Inspired by such examples, Aleksandra Gudkova designed a jacket, blouse and coat reflecting the relationship of each within the literary setting to create a new reality that fits both the object and the individual.

QUOTE
I use Kafka’s words to re-read clothing and explore an alternative.