Gami がみ
S/S 23
From a young age, I have been captivated by the art of origami — the delicate process of transforming a flat, two-dimensional square into a dynamic, three-dimensional form. The mystery of how a simple piece of paper can take on so many complex shapes has always fascinated me. Beyond the intricacy of individual creations, I am equally mesmerized by the sheer versatility of origami. A single square can become a countless variety of sculptures, each as unique as the next. Origami, as one of the oldest and most beautiful forms of art, has inspired me deeply. I believe its beauty extends far beyond the confines of paper and can be integrated into a wide array of creative fields, including fashion design.
Throughout my years of research, I’ve explored various methods to preserve paper so it could be incorporated into garments. My ultimate dream was to fold fabric as I would paper, but I had long believed this to be impossible—until I studied in Hong Kong. It was there that I discovered the perfect technique for making fabric truly foldable, unlocking new possibilities for my designs.
This revelation allowed me not only to create fabric origami flowers but also to manipulate their size. This discovery was a turning point in my design process. The flowers I now craft range from 5-inch to 40-inch squares, allowing me to tailor their scale to fit the body and to weave them seamlessly into my designs.
Origami continues to be the heart of my work, and its influence is seen throughout my collection. The color palette, too, reflects my inspiration. The warm tones of oranges and pinks lend a sense of lightness and joy, evoking the vibrant hues of nature in Hong Kong, where I was fortunate enough to study. The lush greenery and dynamic landscapes there deeply inspired me, and I sought to bring that energy into my work.
The construction and silhouettes of my collection were also shaped by my time in Hong Kong. The architecture, with its beauty and thoughtful integration of nature into the urban environment, left a lasting impression on me. Buildings that incorporated plant life within their structures stood out as a testament to how human design can coexist with nature. The clever use of limited space in such a densely populated city made me think deeply about purpose and function in design.
Every day in Hong Kong, whether I was jogging along the harbor or walking to university, I took mental notes of the interplay between nature and the built environment. This fusion of organic and man-made elements became a guiding influence throughout my design process, and it continues to inform my work. The lessons and inspirations I gained from my time in Hong Kong have become integral to the identity of my collection, and I feel profoundly grateful for how this experience has shaped me as a designer.
The creation of this collection was an exhaustive, yet rewarding journey. I spent countless hours experimenting, learning, and refining my techniques. One of the most intensive aspects was mastering the art of corsetry. Four out of the five pieces in my collection incorporate corsets with steel spiral boning, a process that was both time-consuming and challenging. However, learning this craft expanded my understanding of garment construction and pushed my technical skills to new heights. Every element of my collection, from hand-coating the fabric to hand-basting and sewing every stitch, was a testament to my unwavering dedication to the craft. This labor-intensive process has only deepened my commitment to my work and further ignited my passion for design.
This collection is dedicated to my parents, with so much love. Thank you for opening my eyes to the beauty of art from such a young age. It has carried me to new heights and allowed me to see splendor in the mundane.
