5419
SS 2018 apparel collection, @RISD
context;
5419 is an ode to intellectual movements in Republican China (1912-49). At a time where most of the country was illiterate and uneducated, the scholarly elite and students were major push factors for modernization and social change. The name 5419 is reference to the May Fourth Movement (05/04/1919), a student protest against encroaching imperial powers.
The collection draws from Republican Era Chinese clothing and school uniforms. The result is a carefully balanced combination of traditional Qing Dynasty silhouettes, 20th Century military elements, cuffs, collars, pleats and tailoring.
fabric choices;
As a ready-to-wear enthusiast, I wanted to explore the boundaries of RTW designs in this collection. Despite the historical inspirations, this collection seeks to remain modern, wearable, and innovative. It does this by incorporating modern fabrics, such as organza, and contemporary, minimalist color palettes.
garment construction;
Under time constraints, I chose to construct one of the looks in this collection, shown below, that best exemplifies the themes of the collection.
look 4;
Cropped blouse - cotton poplin
Side-slit dress - silk organza
Trousers - cotton twill
