Cyanotype Fashion

Cyanotype Fashion was created as my final second year project. Each original handmade garment was sustainably produced by me using locally sourced materials. This project explores the natural world through an experimental investigation into botany. Delving deeper into the history of botany and examining its roots within feminism, photography and fashion. It celebrates female association with flowers. From medieval healers, to 18th century botanists, textile designers and artists, women worldwide have always had a strong presence within botany. While a flowery dress may be seen as a girlish cliché today, in the past it was associated with a scientific mind. Inspired by 19th century botanist and photographer Anna Atkins, (specifically her botanical cyanotypes) the surface design was created using pressed flowers and negative photographs. The striking, collage like print was influenced by contemporary fashion designers, including Alexander MacQueen’s collection Plato’s Atlantis (2010). Depicting nature alongside images of the body speaks about the need to open up our senses to the natural world, to feel it, appreciate it and respect it. The project comes full circle in this final fashion shoot highlighting the wear-ability of these designs.