Project_01                              


the mourning


Soltiss Academy, 2025-2026 

an exploration of emotional confinement, where the body becomes both a vessel and a prisoner of its own experience. inspired by the tension between internal struggle and outward composure, the gown examines the delicate boundary between protection and restraint. through sculptural construction and intricate lacework, the garment becomes a physical expression of an invisible state of mind. 
*trapped inside an emotional state 


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*the mourning - a study in confinement 
soltiss academy, 2025-2026                                                                 


Concept and inspiration
conceived as a manifestation of emotional entrapment, the mourning explores the sensation existing within the sculptural collar creates an enclosed silhouette, suggesting both protection and imprisonment. 
Construction and craftsmanship 
the gown is constructed upon an internal corseted foundation, utilizing heat-moldable batting reinforced with Petersham and Rigilene to establish its sculptural form.  an outer shell of Italian wool flannel is complemented by a hand-sewn silk taffeta lining. 

solstiss lace is meticulously applied by hand throughout the collar and godets, emphasizing the relationship between structure and delicacy. individual floral motifs are carefully cut along their contours, allowing the lace to become an extension of the garment’s architecture rather than a purely decorative element. 

the construction process required a complete reinterpretation of the original design following the arrival of narrower-than-anticipated lace. this limitation became an opportunity for experimentation, resulting in a silhouette shaped as much by adaptation as by intention.
Reflection
the mourning became a defining moment in my development as a designer. what began as an exploration of emotional confinement evolved into an unexpected discovery of my own creative identity. 

the challenges of its construction demanded patience, adaptability, and a willingness to abandon what had initially been imagined. through this process, a deeper appreciation for the discipline of couture emerged, strengthening my desire to pursue the craft. 

seeing the finished gown come to life on a body transformed something deeply personal into something tangible. more than a completed garment. it represents a moment of clarity in the ongoing pursuit of becoming a couturier. 


*the anatomy of making 
process studies, 2025-2026