I started this session of prototyping by mocking up a few possible designs in felt.


Here I am playing with a cozy scarf-esque shaw design:





Here is another design that is inspired by corsets – specifically garments made by Zana Bayne and Chromat:





This design is experimenting with a combination aesthetics from the previous two iterations (and 2 possible shoulder shapes):





I am thinking a lot about necklines and mic placement in this process:











I need to sit with these ideas for a while so I move on to thinking about the mechanics of the movement in the final the design.


I had an epiphany about movement and expansion the other day while looking at a Pop-Up Book. I made a point to find a guide to creating pop-up elements in paper:





I found some very serious inspiration (very serious!):

I got started trying to make my own moving parts out of paper and string:











I continue to develop multiple designs using this technique, keeping in mind the shape of the shoulder and possible shape of the garment:























So much to think about:








I decide I am on to something and start translating that design to fabric and soft materials. I use cardboard and boning in this design and reconsider the mechanism based on the curve of a shoulder:








I knew I was on to something! It works:











I imagine that the sting in the final design could be pulled by a servo. But am more interested in exploring using magnets to pull the fabric. For now, I am excited by this prototype, it has a lot of potential.


I have a lot to think about: