From mind to fabric : translating psychological trait theories into fashion designs

Abstract

This dissertation outlines a practice-based research framework centred on achieving authenticity through fashion design. It emphasises the importance of deep self-exploration as a precursor to authentic self-expression. It utilises personality tests and interviews informed by psychological research to identify key individual traits, serving as a foundation for design inspiration. With an emphasis on the exploration of the individual, the research then delves into the semiotics of fashion, employing symbols such as colour, texture, harmony, and composition to convey designs effectively. In alignment with its goal of promoting authenticity, the study also advocates for a departure from fast fashion, a significant contributor to the dilution of genuine self-expression through fashion. By prioritising upcycling methods, the research strives to create designs that authentically represent individuals while avoiding the pitfalls of fast fashion.