The Experimental Study of Draped Garments' Transformation into Fabric Art

Abstract

This empirical research studies draped garments that are found in Thailand – such as jongkraben, sabai, jeeb, tab and tabengmarn – and other countries, such as Indian sari, Japanese obi, Greek chiton and more. The techniques associated with the creation of these draped garments, which include tying, folding, rolling and wrapping, carry the potentials that can be further developed into a new concept design and art form.

Currently, modern machinery has taken over the scene, which then reduced the role of traditional handmade works to the point of non-existent. A fast-paced lifestyle means people now have no time for a slow craft. Soon, these crafts – with no continual development and usage – begin to fade from both contemporary usage and art scene.

Through empirical and experimental study, it has been found that these draping techniques possess both aesthetic features and historical values that shouldn’t be allowed to disappear. The in-depth literature review of the history of garments, and of artists who have worked on similar projects, served to form the theoretical framework of this research. Together, they inspire the set of experiments conducted to explore the potential of draping techniques, that they can be further developed into a new concept design in a form of fabric art.

The purpose of this research is to create fabric art form as a result of the transformation of draping techniques. In completing this research, the researcher hopes that it will be able to rekindle the interest in draped garments and local wisdom that come with it, develop the potential and identity of draping techniques, and prevent them from disappearing from our culture.

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