BA (Hons) Fashion Design Technology: Womenswear
Since graduating, Kiki have been working as a self-employed stylist and dressmaker. You can find her present work on www.kiki-tse.com, and Wordpress: http://kikitse.wordpress.com. This 2008 graduation collection is inspired by a summer vacation in Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. The art of Pre-Columbia period, stretching across 50000 years and encompass the traditions of many different cultures, including the Olmecs, Mayas and Aztecs. Elements are taken from old sculptures, the beautiful architectures of Chichen Itza and radiant vibrant jewelled colours from the Mayans crafted suede throws. These ancient ingredients are developed into a modern colourful fashion sportswear. Everyday wear is utilised into contemporary exaggerated size, similar to the two iconic 80's fashion label Body Map and Katherine Hamnett. The symmetrical silhouettes are cut into strong simplistic shape, so easy to wear, with hand-crafted belts clinched to the waist giving it added movement of fullness. Fuchsia, emerald and turquoise, these three beautiful bright jewelled colours are deliberately chosen and contrasted with black to style into a block colouring scheme. Greatly influenced by Jill Sander's Spring/Summer '07 &'08 collection. Initial influences are details taken from old figurine sculptures, using the fatness and round shape from belts and developing this into a more approvable accessories wear. Continuation of this idea is carried through to stripes finishing along the neckline and armholes. Most of the garments are made in 100% wool jersey from all different weights, and hems are hand finished to make this collection into an upper market level. The square dress is the single piece made in silk crepe to keep the soft movement of the shape. A hand-punched leather belt is added around the waist through the fabric, to form drapes around the body. This piece is taken from a particular stone figurine wearing a short type of poncho with board bands running across its body. Maintaining the craft of Mexican art, various sized squares are used and carefully hand-punched onto pony skin leather. The sequences are taken from a wall with criss-cross formation from the ruins in Chichen Itza. Quilting is also used on the hood to represent the life of Temple of Kukulkan (El Castillo). Photographer: Justyna Krausiewicz Make-up: Sophie Smith Stylist: Ermela Hermida Calabor Model: Alannah Xavier Assistant: Marta Musial