Au Plein Air

“Au Plein Air†is closely associated with painting outdoors and was embraced by Impressionist artists. The designer sought to capture the textures, color palette, and movement of Au Plein Air through innovative design and sewing techniques. The work began with movement - a jacket with light weight boucle\u27 knit capelet, flowing as the fabric follows the model and leads the viewer\u27s eye. For front interest, leaf-like lines were transferred to the pattern and re-worked as geometric shapes collectively \u27reading\u27 as flowing lines. This bargello quilt concept required revision for use in a 3D garment to maintain precise lines of fit and shaping. The motif and pattern were \u27exploded\u27 to add seam allowances for application of strip sets. The paper pattern was used as a foundation to which the strip sets were aligned and sewn as pattern shape was maintained. When complete, strip sets were sewn together and paper was removed