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Fig. 6:5 Experiments developed between June and July in 2007 in studio WM 205)
The image on the left shows hard-paper fusing stitched with calico. The one on the right shows a
constructed bodice made from stitched hard-paper fusing on calico. This surface was stiffened with
several coats of 100% acrylic polymer emulsion.
conclusion
By employing heuristics in this project, I have been able to push the conceptual
boundaries of fabric and garment design so they might more effectively ‘speak’ of the
world of the lal batti. I achieved this by incorporating rigorous and diverse methods of
experimentation. In terms of developing new or altered fabrics, I generated solutions by
being
creatively disobedient. I sought to disrupt conventional approaches to surface and
texture
by using chemicals and fabric creation techniques one might normally not
consider as a fashion designer.
The research methodology heuristics has therefore been employed as a means of
heightening the chances of discovery and locating creative connections inside a complex
research project. The method has both strengths and weaknesses, but these have been
addressed by altering approaches to my working attitudes and processes as the project
has developed. Heuristics was helpful because of its flexibility and ability to validate (and
activate) intuitive knowledge. It meant that as a designer, I was able to adopt a subjective
position, and from that point take substantial conceptual and technical risks in a process
of exploration that would bring a voice to a difficult and culturally complex issue. It also
meant that otherwise traditional approaches to fashion design development, like
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