Swathi V
MSc in Fashion Design, Bangalore
So Dark So Deep: Secrets That You Keep – JD Design Awards 2024
Welcome to “So Dark, So Deep: ”Secrets That You Keep,” a well-drafted couture collection by Swathi V, studying in MSC in Fashion Design from the JD Institute of Fashion Technology Bangalore. This collection explores the darker aspects of the human experience, including mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, heartache and rumination.
ILLUSTRATIONS
So Dark, So Deep” resonates with its theme on multiple levels, as art serves as a form of catharsis and education throughout the work. The collection is both an aesthetic semiotic communication and a source of consolation and encouragement for those who have been harmed. The selection of fabrics like jute silk and organza contributes towards the reiteration of themes; the fabrics chosen are soft and at the same time possess strength, like an emotion is.
Every piece of clothing in this ready-to-wear collection is made to tell a story of struggle and resilience. The design elements are as follows; The glitch effect represents the disruption that a mental health issue can cause in a person’s life. In a subtle way, the complexity of these experiences is also depicted by the illusions and details on the garments. Also, the medium paints result in the artwork on the garments being legible in bright and low light, indicating that mental health concerns persist even if the symptoms are not evident.
JDDA 2024
Thus, “So Dark, So Deep” correlates with its theme perfectly because it depicts art as the means of healing and raising awareness. Through the depiction of mental health in couture fashion, Swathi V promotes discussion about these topics that are typically considered taboo. It is not only an art display, but it also helps the victims find hope and strength. The fabrics like jute silk and organza complement the themes; the emotional texture is tender, but it is also a fabric of strength.
As for the color choices, red, black, and gold are the most prominent ones, each of them having a specific meaning. Red stands for passion and courage, black for depth and contemplation, and gold for hope and enlightenment. These colors are chosen intentionally to elicit emotions and reflect the complexity of mental health stories. Venture into this sphere of elegance and discover the silken threads of feeling that make up the fabric of life.
Swathi V
MSc in Fashion Design, Bangalore
www.jddesignawards.com