This research project asks; what is the potential for garments to express an Indian/European cultural hybridisation? The research explores the development of an alternative aesthetic by hybridising the ethos of traditional Indian garments and the aesthetics of 'Western' garments. The garments have been designed and constructed after key design features were indentified, and the new garments reflect hybridisation. The aspect of hybridisation was further enhanced with the use of digitally-printed fabric imagery which features a mythologised and idealised European/Indian history. The research seeks to discover if such a joining-together could develop an aesthetic sensibility, informed by both a ‘Western’ enculturation and a traditional Indian heritage. The new garments will speak to the viewer about what it is to experience being situated within two cultures simultaneously.

This research project asks; what is the potential for garments to express an Indian/European cultural hybridisation? The research explores the development of an alternative aesthetic by hybridising the ethos of traditional Indian garments and the aesthetics of 'Western' garments. The garments have been designed and constructed after key design features were indentified, and the new garments reflect hybridisation. The aspect of hybridisation was further enhanced with the use of digitally-printed fabric imagery which features a mythologised and idealised European/Indian history. The research seeks to discover if such a joining-together could develop an aesthetic sensibility, informed by both a ‘Western’ enculturation and a traditional Indian heritage. The new garments will speak to the viewer about what it is to experience being situated within two cultures simultaneously.

This project draws on aspects of research into the plight of women prostitutes working in Lal Batti areas of India. The project considers historical, contemporary and personal texts that form the basis of a creative synthesis. This synthesis is manifest in the design of five fabric-based artworks that seek to interpret issues of manipulation, entrapment, belonging, spirituality and demise. The project is located beyond the boundaries of fashion design. However, it involves an artistic fusion of garment construction, fabric and surface treatment. In doing this, the thesis seeks to give ‘voice’ to a political commentary that reaches beyond commercial uses of garments for display and protection.

This project draws on aspects of research into the plight of women prostitutes working in Lal Batti areas of India. The project considers historical, contemporary and personal texts that form the basis of a creative synthesis. This synthesis is manifest in the design of five fabric-based artworks that seek to interpret issues of manipulation, entrapment, belonging, spirituality and demise. The project is located beyond the boundaries of fashion design. However, it involves an artistic fusion of garment construction, fabric and surface treatment. In doing this, the thesis seeks to give ‘voice’ to a political commentary that reaches beyond commercial uses of garments for display and protection.