week one: t is for shirt.....

A work of art, political mouthpiece, advertising billboard, and fashion fetish, in less than 50 years the t-shirt became a kind of textiles chameleon. There are times when its multifaceted personality disguises what it really and truly is- a simple item of clothing, or more accurately underclothing. Before it came out as a unisex uniform for casual wear, the t-shaped white cotton undershirt had already begun its career in the hidden realm of men’s underwear. These intimate beginnings helped to initiate its reputation as something comfortable to wear. In its private contact with the skin was the origin of this revolutionary piece of underwear’s future success. The soft, cotton fabric, with its elastic texture both hugged the body and at the same time allowed it the freedom to move. The simplicity of its T-shaped form (hence its name) has insured its popularity and staying power.

From the start of week 1 I began to question the basic components of a t-shirt. I had never really looked at the construction or fit of a t-shirt to an extent. Thus in trying to think of ways to alter a t-shirt my natural thought process was challenged. It felt impossible to visualize a final outcome, causing me to scrutinize and probe a t-shirt of my own to find potential in movement and document from there. This type of design process intrigued me, not only future outcomes but discovering other viable methods of formulating new solutions.

The word 'generic' seemed prevalent within the introductory class to the Stretch Generics studio. I felt as though I couldn't comprehend its significance within the course brief. "By considering the examples of STRETCH generic garments, students will be challenged to propose new design solutions and applications that break away from customary clothing genres associated with these materials." In order to generate innovative and contemporary designs we must first study these 'generic' garments. To consider a specific item characteristic of or relative to its class or genus, in its most common form. For me this will involve a thorough deconstruction of these basic items to create opposed, conceptual prototypes that have derived from their primary state.

(above image from www.toxel.com/.../uploads/ 2009/04/tshirts04.jpg viewed 13/3/10)