https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/metamorphosis

This concept explores how metamorphosis and the butterfly effect can shape powerful fashion through textiles and garment construction. Metamorphosis is the process of transformation: butterflies evolve four times from an egg to a larva (caterpillar) before turning into a chrysalis and finally a Butterfly. This radical evolution from a simple form to a beautifully intricate one could be applied to fashion through pattern-making to silhouettes and textiles. Metamorphosis can be a motif to reflect how society, culture and creative designers are constantly growing and changing.

I aim to collaborate with conservationists to research biodegradable fabrics, promoting sustainability and protecting natural habitats. My vision includes creating bio-textiles that reflect the intricate structure of butterfly wings, free from synthetic dyes, to reduce toxic pollution from textile production.

Transformative garment construction

 To showcase the abrupt shift from a caterpillar to a Cocoon and then a butterfly I will explore simple, collapsible silhouettes and different types of fastenings with layered pieces that unfold into something complex and beautiful to reveal this sense of growth. The progressive anatomy of the butterfly will inform this experimentation of structure to a garment and create functionality for the wearer by analysing its flight mechanisms such as, air pockets between the wings aiding their flight.

Textile Exploration

Zooming in, I will investigate the kaleidoscopic structure of a butterfly’s wing through textiles.  Butterflies’ wings are transparent and are covered with tiny scales that reflect light in radiant colours. These complex colourful patterns are used to attract but contrastingly also to deflect predators. This multicoloured composition will inspire my textile design through dye, print, stitch and manipulation.  These methods will not only allow the wearer to blend with their environment and stand out from it but also communicate their identity through colour and pattern.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S187734352100052X

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJ9QOcVt1Hc

In this project I will investigate the metamorphosis of migration in regards of my ancestral migration from Texas in the 1930s during the great depression to Mexico City. Just as a butterfly undergoes the transformative process from an egg to a caterpillar to a butterfly ever evolving and adapting to its environment. This transformation can be used as a motif for those who migrate and causing not only a physical shift but an evolution of identity by having to adapt to a new culture, society and environment.

I might explore how the economic hardship detrimentally impacted the textile industry leading to companies caring about the end life cycle of a material. During the Great Depression there was a lack of materials for garments to be made which led to farmers reworking flour sacks into garments for people to wear. Companies today should be facilitating the same care of production in the end life cycle of their materials. I aspire to investigate the second wave feminist movement through the film Bonnie and Clyde which is set in the Great Depression in Texas and analyse the anti-establishment clothing women wore through Bonnie Parker.

Next, I aspire to explore my ancestor’s migration to Mexico from Texas because of the Great Depression. This radical change of culture and social structures led to new adaptations in their identities like a butterfly. I might research into their beautiful traditions like ‘day of the dead which is a display of their vibrantly rich culture showcased through clothing and performance. Mexico’s folklore will also inform narrative into my designs Using the metaphor of metamorphosis through fashion I aim to convey how transformation of identity is forced by the hardship and resilience of migration for survival.

What is metamorphosis?

What is migration ?

How does a person adapt to an environment?

How can an environment change a person?

How does a person adapt to a society?

How can a society and its ideals change a person?

Can a place force someone to change their identity?

What is culture?

How can cultural values affect someone?

How can u reflect transformation through garments construction?

How can u reflect transformation through textiles?

What is the ugly side of transformation?

How can the metamorphosis of migration represent different life cycles of a person?

What is a life cycle?

How can clothing transform a person?

What is identity?

How can sustainability be applied to this concept of different life cycles?

What does migration look like in nature?

How can you represent metamorphosis in fashion?

Meer

"Metamorphosis" Display by Emma Rodgers and Johnny Vegas at Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool (April 30, 2024 – March 31, 2025): This display features works resulting from a collaboration between sculptor Emma Rodgers and actor Johnny Vegas, exploring themes of change and transformation. 

Liverpool Museums

"Material Metamorphosis" Workshops at Somerset House, London (March 29, April 5, and April 12, 2025): A series of heritage-inspired workshops focusing on regenerative design, heritage, and craft, offering participants hands-on experience with biomaterials and textiles. 

Somerset House

"Change Makers Tours" at the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford (March 29, 2025): Guided tours exploring remarkable objects that have reshaped art, culture, and history, highlighting transformative artifacts within the museum's collection. 

Ashmolean Museum

"Linder: Danger Came Smiling" at Hayward Gallery, London (February 11 – May 5, 2025): A retrospective of British artist Linder's 50-year career, presenting her pioneering photomontages and exploring themes of transformation in art and culture. 

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"Verena Loewensberg" at Hauser & Wirth London (February 25 – April 17, 2025): The first UK solo exhibition of Swiss artist Verena Loewensberg, showcasing works from the 1960s to the 1980s that highlight her evolution within the concrete art movement. 

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"Resistance" at Turner Contemporary, Margate (February 22 – June 1, 2025): An exhibition conceived by Steve McQueen, documenting UK protests through photography and exploring transformative social movements. 

The Guardian

"Leigh Bowery!" at Tate Modern, London (February 27 – August 31, 2025): An exhibition celebrating the avant-garde artist's legacy, showcasing his transformative impact on fashion, performance, and club culture. 

The Guardian

Meer

"Metamorphosis" Display by Emma Rodgers and Johnny Vegas at Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool (April 30, 2024 – March 31, 2025): This display features works resulting from a collaboration between sculptor Emma Rodgers and actor Johnny Vegas, exploring themes of change and transformation. 

Liverpool Museums

"Material Metamorphosis" Workshops at Somerset House, London (March 29, April 5, and April 12, 2025): A series of heritage-inspired workshops focusing on regenerative design, heritage, and craft, offering participants hands-on experience with biomaterials and textiles. 

Somerset House

"Change Makers Tours" at the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford (March 29, 2025): Guided tours exploring remarkable objects that have reshaped art, culture, and history, highlighting transformative artifacts within the museum's collection. 

Ashmolean Museum

"Linder: Danger Came Smiling" at Hayward Gallery, London (February 11 – May 5, 2025): A retrospective of British artist Linder's 50-year career, presenting her pioneering photomontages and exploring themes of transformation in art and culture. 

Art Plugged

"Verena Loewensberg" at Hauser & Wirth London (February 25 – April 17, 2025): The first UK solo exhibition of Swiss artist Verena Loewensberg, showcasing works from the 1960s to the 1980s that highlight her evolution within the concrete art movement. 

Art Plugged

"Resistance" at Turner Contemporary, Margate (February 22 – June 1, 2025): An exhibition conceived by Steve McQueen, documenting UK protests through photography and exploring transformative social movements. 

The Guardian

"Leigh Bowery!" at Tate Modern, London (February 27 – August 31, 2025): An exhibition celebrating the avant-garde artist's legacy, showcasing his transformative impact on fashion, performance, and club culture. 

The Guardian