2026
The set is based on the indigenous Hispanic carrying device called a Mecapal (in English it's called a tumpline). The benefits of a mecapal is that it helps distribute the weight of a heavy load down the spine instead of the shoulders by wrapping around the head. The goal from the semester project was to make a luxury accessory based on the device. The set comes with a leather bag and a woven coin pouch made the same way as the headpiece.
Heartfelt bonds between humans is a precious concept, this project is a performative experience demonstrated with the physical idea of love. The two bags are supposed to be an external item to demonstrate the sincereness between two people. There is no specific combination of who years the bags; partners, family, or friends. To further emphasize the intimacy between the bond, the bag straps are interchangeable with customized cyanotype-printed fabric straps arranged with personal photos and quotes shared from the assigned model. Though it is meant to be worn directly in front of your heart, the straps are meant to be long enough where it can be worn any way around a person's body. No matter how young or old, big or small there is definitely a way to make the bag fit and connect to another significant figure in your life. And when the bags perfectly align with one another a snapping noise will be heard indicating both heart bags connected with the assistance from a magnet, thus a moment of "Heart-to-heart" has been shared.
Inspired by the Mary Shelley novel Frankenstein with a hyper feminine twist. The set contains a leather shoulder bag and a thigh pouch ready for scientific and tactical use. The set is made from 5 different leather materials and bright pink decorative stitching for the "scavenged" look.
The semi-life size test dummy is present to take my place representing the eldest and "healthiest" child. "Well Child Syndrome" is the scenario of a kid who is overall healthy having to live in a household with another sibling present who has a disability or illness, the main idea being the parents spend more of their time and attention to the sick child overlooking the "well" child's wellbeing.
The IAD Narrative prompt of “Placing involves the idea of creating a piece that belongs in a certain location. I chose the location of a parking garage because it represents one place that leads to an infinite number of other places. The catch is that even with infinite possibilities we have to make choices; choices that range from simple ideas to life-changing decisions. These choices limit our destinations and create priorities, meaning letting go of certain dreams or goals until they fade into the past. The car-shaped bag is based on my dad’s story with his 1969 Volkswagen beetle, a car my dad restored during my childhood with the dream of taking it out on a road trip with the family someday. Years pass, the family grows, the car breaks down, expenses must be prioritized, and the “someday dream” gets delayed year by year. The Car Bag remains as a promise, even if the car can’t take us places I’ll still be able to take it with me in memory.
For my final I chose to take a set of photos exposing someone’s lifestyle aesthetic through the lens. With generous help from my Model Elsa Lick who’s an Illustration Major in College For Creative Studies. Her own art is a big inspiration to the pictures that were chosen for her goth-leaning concept. Elsa’s personal work explores ideas of fear and examines what scares people. Fear helps us understand unspoken societal norms, with key insights on “how to dismantle systematic oppression.” While adding occult symbolism for fun and flair, it helps further emphasize the fear in humanity. Though she may not adhere to the alternate style every single day, it does give her the highest level of confidence when given the opportunity to.
