Eia Radosavljevic

The human head, as a moving and turning pedestal, presents continually changing views of headwear. This course covers the classic millinery techniques of hat block carving, straw draping, felt blocking, and couture hand-sewing, in contemporary exploration of 'the hat' as a sculptural form and its relationship to the body.

Giving woven fabrics and alternative flat materials three-dimensional form is key to many sculptural disciplines, most notably headwear design, and garment and fiber works. Beginning with headwear projects as a prime example of self-supported sculptural form, students proceed through a study of methodologies such as pattern drafting, blocking, draping, and carved-form patterning to develop headwear or other objects suiting their individual practice. Assembly is achieved through hand stitching, machine sewing, or innovative techniques appropriate to specific materials. Visual imagery and texts assist in the development of concepts, and the study of interior and exterior space.

Embellishment methods such as ribbon manipulation, feather-work, fabric tooling, and embroidery are introduced as a springboard for individual experimentation in 3-dimensional surface manipulation. Techniques like fur/faux fur sewing, leather tooling, macrame, and tatting may also be introduced in support of conceptual and formal design choices. Students are encouraged to explore alternative methods and up-cycled, sustainable materials to transform or redefine their selected garments and accessories, or to create objects from 3-dimensional units.

Embellishment methods such as ribbon manipulation, feather-work, fabric tooling, and embroidery are introduced as a springboard for individual experimentation in 3-dimensional surface manipulation. Techniques like fur/faux fur sewing, leather tooling, macrame, and tatting may also be introduced in support of conceptual and formal design choices. Students are encouraged to explore alternative methods and up-cycled, sustainable materials to transform or redefine their selected garments and accessories, or to create objects from 3-dimensional units.

Hats are conceptually powerful and visually important in both fashion design and performance. In this advanced course, headwear methodologies are explored through the challenges of wearable volume, relation of designed object to head, and couture-level workmanship, while underlying concept, innovative design, and technical dexterity are simultaneously stressed. A series of traditional hat-making techniques, e.g., wire-framing, blocking and draping, are explored and then expanded upon through alternative methods and materials to create wearable forms. Questions regarding the function and relevance of fashion and headwear, and their potential for interdisciplinary contextualization help drive students¿ design development. Select texts by authors such as Ann Albrizio, Susan Heiner, Stephen Jones, Simon Kelly, and Howard Risatti, may be included for further information. Works by historical and contemporary milliners like Solange de Fabry, Stephen Jones, Philip Treacy, and Madame Paulette provide context and inspiration, along with films and videos that highlight or explore headwear. Students with an interest in object design, sculptural practices or other making processes and disciplines are also welcomed with permission from the instructor. The semester culminates in SAIC¿s annual Headwear Awards judging.