Sculpting the Elegant Form: A Study of Silhouettes of the 'New Look Era'
Graduate Thesis as part of a Masters of Fine Arts in Costume Construction from Boston University in 2016
An exploration of the sculptural designs exemplified by Haute Couture fashions that became popular between 1947-1956, specifically the works of Christian Dior, Cristóbal Balenciaga, and Charles James. Each of these designers had a distinct perspective on feminine beauty and approached the female form as something to mold and transform. Research for this thesis included the first hand study of pieces they designed at institutions including the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, the Fashion Institute of Technology Museum in New York City, and the Rhode Island School of Art and Design Museum in Providence. Exploration through the sampling of materials and construction techniques led to the construction of three fully realized ensembles that best exemplified the innovations of each designer.
