Jingyi Zhu

My project is rooted in the Japanese art of ikebana, which emphasizes the balance and harmony between the visual fluidity of static objects and the effective use of limited space. It blurs the boundaries between space, structure and form. Inspired by this philosophy, my project combines pleats with patterns to achieve a visually flowing effect in garments, creating a subtle yet captivating balance of beauty.

I aim to make garments that embody the principles of ikebana, where the body is like a plant, changing and evolving according to its environment. Resembling the artificial decoration in flower arrangements that represent the established rules of society, my work captures the balance and harmony of shapes in space and the movement of stationary objects.

Throughout my project, I experimented with combinations of pleats, patterns and textile shapes to achieve the desired visual effect. One of the most exciting aspects of this body of work has been exploring the interplay between such elements in the context of ikebana. 

By pushing the boundaries of textile shaping and manipulation, I envision garments that look beautiful and feel comfortable to the wearer. Finally, I aspire to design with both aesthetic value and personal significance.