Cho, KyeongSook
Form Follows Subject: Design Begins with an Intent
Representation of a form juxtaposes the dual aspects of concrete and abstract aspects of reality. The
Italian word “Designo” means intent. It is the intent--the truth or essence of the thought--that constitutes the real values of a designed object. The abstract concept is the essential: more real than physical reality. 1)
The two creative dresses, “Hidden beauty” and “The life in your eyes,” demonstrate the theory that form follows subject. Creation of “Hidden…” emanated from the question of where beauty is. The emphasis on outside beauty results in neglect of the whole person. This design reveals a message that a person cannot be considered truly beautiful without inner beauty.
“The Life…” conveys that only eyes with truth, goodness, and beauty allow us to stand firmly in the middle of complex journey of life. The circular shapes incorporated in the dress represent the physical reality of the human eyes. The light color palette utilized is symbolic of the bright side of life.
The fabrics of the dresses were developed using free motion stitches creating a soft yet sharp contrast of textures by using metallic and rayon threads. The variation in stitch density resulting from this technique reveals the wearer’s skin, a hidden beauty. The freedom in utilizing colors allowed the designer to express the abstract nature of the subject: life journey. Through the projects, she acknowledged the necessity not only to observe the appearance of an object but also to extract its true nature into a form.
1) Acevedo, C., Blossom, N., Melcher, M. (2005). Engaging meaning in the built environment through the design process. Unpublished manuscript.