Bai Ge

Master of Arts in Womenswear Design (Knitwear), Royal College of Art, UK

Doctor of Philosophy in Information Art Design, Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University

Lecturer, Art and Technology Program, School of Material Design and Engineering, Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology

Li Jiaxin

Bachelor of Arts in Art and Technology, School of Material Design and Engineering, Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology

MA Candidate in Textile Design (Smart Surfaces), Royal College of Art, UK

Materials: TPU, Silicone, Space Cotton, Optical Fiber, Organza

Dimensions: Pink Top 77cm; Midi Skirt 59cm; Yellow-Green Skirt 195cm

In this design project, we explored the innovation of traditional manual textile techniques. Smocking is a method of fabric transformation that creates three-dimensional pleats on the fabric surface through hand sewing. Traditional smocked products are no longer popular, but the craft itself is never outdated. Therefore, we launched this project, hoping to explore the potential innovative applications of smocking through design. While retaining the unique three-dimensional texture of smocking, we attempted to incorporate it into fashionable designs.

We chose electronic experimental music as the source of inspiration, integrating more modern materials and color matching into the traditional smocking craft. The use of optical fiber further enhances the futuristic sense of the fabric. The significance of this series of designs is to endow traditional craftsmanship with new life, especially through innovative attempts in materials and colors, allowing people to perceive the new charm of traditional manual crafts.