Cocodrie with Pleated Illusions
Abstract
The purpose of this design was to create a garment using a wild-caught low-grade alligator skin and an experimental patternmaking technique. A lower-quality alligator skin was chosen due to the number of imperfections found on its surface. The natural holes and scars were incorporated into the yoke creating a unique design and taking into consideration the size and shape limitations of designing with alligator skins. The “parring down and opening out” technique from Nakamichi’s Pattern Magic 3 had not been explored further and expands on McKinney et al.’s (2016) research by repeating the principle of the technique around the body on the bodice and skirt. The color contrast between the navy main body fabric and curved vertical pleats in the rust fabric creates an illusion depending on the direction of the viewer.
Keywords: alligator, experimental patternmaking, pleats, leather, patternmaking
How to Cite:
Lansdell, L. E., (2024) “Cocodrie with Pleated Illusions”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 80(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.17287