Fashion Design Essentials

TECHNIQUE

61. Change Agents

Clever couture that is multifunctional by design

is not only a great investment, but also a creative

exercise for both the designer and the user. One

example is a gown designed by Norma Kamali,

exclusively for eBay. It can be worn in several

different ways: boatneck, one-shoulder, strap­

less, halter, and cross-halter evening gown, all in

one. Belted and bloused, the gown transforms

into a dress for everyday. Some designers, such

as Karolina Zmarlak, are making the concept of

convertible clothing a part of their brand DNA.

Athletic garments and clothing meant for out­

door activities often benefit from being versatile

as well. Being able to pull a drawstring, button on

a hood, or zip off a pant leg allows the user to re­

spond to a situation in short order. The novelty of

these very practical applications makes them an

attractive design detail to incorporate into other

categories of fashion. More often these adop­

tions are more about aesthetics than function.

Advances in the science of dyes include UV­

reactive photochromic paints, which change

color in the sun and glow under a black light.

When these paints are used in thread, fabrics,

and beads, clothes can take on a life of their own

depending on their environment. In the hands

of innovator Hussein Chalayan, the technol-

ogy of change is more complex. The designer's

collection of transformer dresses pushed the

boundaries of fabrication with the help of the

London-based engineering firm 20:30. Com­

puter systems built into the garment mechani­

cally morphed it into a different shape and style

without any external assistance. Inter-industry

partnerships like this one make it possible for a

designer's creativity to reach new heights.

128 Fashion Design Essentials

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Norma Kamali convertible dress versions