Second Skin
Category: Apparel
Competitions: Fashion Competition 2025
This project explores sustainability, texture, and form through a sculptural garment constructed entirely from fabric scraps. The main body features hand-cut, scale-like pieces layered to create depth and rhythm. Each piece was chosen based on its size and shape, using only medium-weight cotton twill, canvas, and pique sourced from leftover materials. The irregularity in the scale shapes is a direct result of working with limited resources—an intentional choice that reflects a sustainable mindset and embraces the beauty of imperfection. To soften the sharp geometry of the scales, small fabric flowers were made from the tiniest scraps and added throughout the design, bringing a gentle contrast and a sense of playfulness. The base for the scales is an oversized coat silhouette, chosen to give space for the layering to fully express itself. The sleeves feature hand-folded pleats inspired by origami structures. These pleats echo the repetitive buildup of the scales while adding sculptural volume to the arms. Their sharp lines visually extend the rhythm established by the layered textures, maintaining harmony across the garment. The combination of these elements creates a balance between structure and softness, intentionality and resourcefulness. Nature—particularly the way leaves, feathers, and petals layer without symmetry—was a guiding reference throughout the process. The final piece not only showcases thoughtful craftsmanship but also reflects a deeper philosophy: that limitation can be a driver of creativity, and that discarded materials can be transformed into something purposeful, tactile, and alive.
