Creative Design: Undergraduate

The Selkie Dress

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Abstract

The Selkie Dress is a modular knitwear design that merges sustainability, craftsmanship, and narrative-driven aesthetics. Inspired by Celtic Selkie mythology, the dress reimagines a Selkie without her transforming coat, using a fragile, flowing silhouette to communicate vulnerability, power, and femininity. Constructed from rectangular machine-knit modules, the garment employs modular draping to create wave-like seams that cascade diagonally across the body and expand into layered volumes at the hem. A sheer gray knit exterior is supported by a nude lining and a tiered white crinoline, generating movement reminiscent of crashing water. Reclaimed yarns from post-consumer textiles—including merino wool, polyester, and acrylic blends—are combined with lace stitches, hand embroidery, metallic threads, and subtle beading to evoke foam, light, and motion. This project demonstrates an innovative application of modular knitwear design for adaptive fit and high-value reuse, exemplifying advanced undergraduate mastery in sustainable, concept-driven knitwear practice.

Keywords: knitwear, modular design, sustainability

How to Cite:

Gupman, S. & Gorea, A., (2025) “The Selkie Dress”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 82(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.21822