✂️ Collection as Teacher—From Touchboard to Workwear Set

Editorial note:

This work has been created in the context of the Bauhaus Open Studios programme with students from Cornell College of Human Ecology’s Department of Human Centered Design (studio lead: Catherine Kueffer Blumenkamp) in spring 2024. Students were asked to select an object from CF+TC, create a touchboard as in the preliminary course at the Bauhaus and then develop their own design based on this material analysis.

Drawing from an array of pieces within Cornell Fashion and Textile Collection (CF+TC), our design project pays homage to the timeless elegance of a feminine workwear set with a contemporary edge. Inspired by feminine details on a women’s suit, the textures of a pleated dress, iridescent oyster buttons, and the innovative practicality of a Margiela dress with unique pockets that offer both functionality and design, our collaborative project seamlessly merges these influences into a cohesive contemporary ensemble.

The set features a high-collar asymmetrical vest and a mini skirt. Emphasizing precision and sophistication, both garments showcase meticulously aligned princess seams and asymmetrical overlapping button plackets. The vest incorporates a harmonious fusion of functionality and embellishment, with one row of buttons serving a practical purpose while the other adds decorative flair. Meanwhile, the skirt’s asymmetrical button overlap is faux, with the actual closure discreetly concealed by an invisible side zipper, ensuring seamless elegance and ease of wear. Taking inspiration from the pockets of our various inspiration pieces from the CF+TC, the skirt incorporates functional welt pockets with flaps that harmonize with the vest’s pointed silhouette, forming a seamless diagonal line that draws the viewer’s gaze effortlessly across the ensemble.

Throughout the design and construction process, Devon and Raquel collaborated closely, with Devon focusing on the top’s design, muslin prototyping, and final fabric construction. In parallel, Raquel executed the skirt, mirroring the top’s design elements to create a cohesive ensemble.

Devon Meenaghan is a first-year student majoring in fashion design at Cornell University. Growing up in Los Angeles, CA, she developed her love for fashion by observing locals and watching Project Runway with her mom. Now, design provides her an outlet for emotional explorations and creative intrigues.
Raquel Coren, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a 3rd year Fashion Design student at Cornell University. Her interests in fashion lie in textile manipulation and functional apparel.