Material Impressions: Exploring the Relationship Between Tailor and Client Through Research-Creation

Material Impressions utilizes a research-creation approach to investigate the tailor and client relationship through garment analysis, building upon the theories of symbolic interactionism and sensual knowledge. In addition, defining the tailor/client relationship, analyzing a tailor's education, and juxtaposing the findings with my professional tailoring practice provides tangible outcomes for the creative component of this MRP. The goal of this project is to redesign a blazer, implementing bespoke and couture tailoring techniques to showcase the material impressions left behind by the tailor and client through the course of their time together. After years of client interaction within my professional practice and seeing the transformative powers of tailoring, I have a unique insight into both facets of the relationship to intentionally position myself as tailor and client for this project.