Define imperfection, the good side.

Abstract

This research delves into the domain of artisanal fashion, where contemporary trends merge with traditional craftsmanship, positioning imperfection and visible repair as fundamental elements of creative expression. It investigates the concept of imperfection, celebrating it as a source of beauty and authenticity, and encourages viewers to engage in a dialogue that transcends conventional fashion design, resonating with the rhythms of nature and the human spirit. This practice-led research employs reflective making as a method of autoethnography, utilizing collage, sketches, and prototyping as visual tools in the design process. The findings reveal that imperfection can guide the design process of artisanal fashion, with garments shaped by the aesthetics of imperfection. Furthermore, the design process elevates visible mending from a traditional technique to an advanced design tool and concept, granting artisans the freedom to innovate and experiment. Through a meticulous mending process, garments emerge as tangible embodiments of resilience and renewal, each imbued with a narrative of its journey. The research offers an alternative approach to sustainable fashion and textile design, illustrating how visible mending can transform flaws into sources of inherent beauty. It redefines the meaning of imperfection, transforming it from a negative trait into a positive aesthetic.