BFA Thesis
What is BFA?
Acculturation was created from concept through production over the last year and a half. It was a grueling program that pushed me to grow not only as a designer, but in my personal life as well. The collection was subject to industry criticism on two occasions; one occasion being the muslin critique halfway through the program. The collection development was never done and revisions to silhouette, print, and design details were constantly made. The second criticism was the international jury critique of our final garments where there were three designers from different corners of the globe all coming together to listen to us defend our collections in public.
Acculturation was one of only a few collections accepted into the Kent State Annual Fashion Show. A collection is defined as five or more looks being accepted, and Acculturation had six looks accepted into the show with only one look cut.
Defending my thesis in front of an international jury of designers and the general public.
“ Research Question:
Can combined clothing from two polarizing cultures assist
in the acculturation of immigrants?”
Savanna Cowboy Hat
This hat blends the typical American "Cowboy Hat" with the infamous Savanna grass that is well-known and loved in South Africa. Here, two polarizing aspects from South Africa and America come together to form something new that celebrates both.
Draadkar Handbag
This wire-car handbag is a celebration of my childhood in South Africa. The Draadkar, or wire-car, is an infamous symbol of a South African childhood. The Draadkar is turned into a handbag here so that it is a functional piece of nostalgia and could be used in everyday American life.
