My thesis project is a fashion line of trendy vests designed for young Hispanic women. I illustrated 3 unique patterns that blend traditional Mexican Aztec motifs and flowers into a modern design that celebrates Mexican culture. My designs draw inspiration from Mexican traditional clothing such as ruffles and bows, and feature three distinct flower patterns: marigold, poinsettia, and yucca. This collection is named Florea which means to bloom, this name represents me by showing how much I have grown over the years in art and life.
Each pattern is inspired by flowers in Mexico, the Yuca flower, poinsettia and the marigold flower. The Yucca species is native to the highlands of southwestern Mexico. This flower symbolizes protection and purification. The Poinsettia flower symbolizes purity and peace. The Poinsettia is Native to Mexico, the plant is called Flor de la Noche Buena (Flower of the Holy Night) due to its resemblance to the Star of Bethlehem. These flowers are seen during winter months. The Marigold flower symbolizes power, strength, and light that lives inside of a person. These flowers are a national symbol for Dia de los Muertos. These flowers are said to help guide the spirits to their altars using their vibrant colors and pungent scent.
Each vest is hand made and sewn in a size small. My fabric pattern are printed from Spoonflower. I created multiple mockups to get the fit I want for my final vests. My three 11x17 illustrations are rendered in procreate. I decided to create illustration in my style to showcase these patterns being used on a flat surface and to help show how these patterns could be used on anything not just garments.
I wanted my project to reflect my personal interests and passion. As someone who enjoys fashion and pattern making, I aimed to incorporate these elements into my final work. The three illustrations I created are in my unique art style, which features geometric and sharp designs. My intention was to demonstrate that my patterns could be applied to illustrations, not just fabric, showcasing their versatility. It was truly eye-opening to see my patterns printed on fabric and sewn into a garment. This project also holds deep personal significance, as it honors my love for Mexico and my family's heritage. It serves as a heartfelt thank you to my family for supporting my artistic journey and encouraging me to pursue my passion. I’ve had this project in mind since freshman year, aiming to blend my love for fashion and art. I'm incredibly proud of the final result and grateful for how this experience pushed me to continue honing my sewing skills.