Winning the Championship of the "Listen to GPP" fashion design contest was a transformative moment for Tina Tsoi, filled with excitement and gratitude. Her collection, "Beneath the Layers: The GPP Experience," is a poignant tribute to the journey of those living with Generalized Pustular Psoriasis (GPP). Driven by a desire to authentically represent their stories, Tina immersed herself in extensive research, delving into interviews with medical experts and individuals affected by GPP. By experimenting with a rich palette of colors and textures, and drawing on the wisdom of her professors, Tina crafted a collection that speaks volumes. Supported by PolyU and in collaboration with the Hong Kong Psoriasis Patients Association, she is determined to harness the power of fashion to raise awareness and cultivate empathy. Through her designs, Tina aspires to give a voice to those often unheard, using fashion as a catalyst for change and understanding.
Ms. TSOI Tsz Wa Tina
School of Fashion and Textiles
Tina’s project involves creating a fashion collection that embodies the journey of patients with GPP, translating their experiences into meaningful designs. This requires the ability to develop a strong conceptual framework and narrative that informs the design process. Understanding how to convey stories and emotions through fashion is crucial for creating impactful and expressive collections.
The challenge of connecting GPP symptoms and emotions to the design involved experimenting with different colors, textures, and materials. Knowledge of fabric properties and how they can be used to evoke specific feelings or accommodate particular needs (such as comfort for sensitive skin) is essential. This includes understanding the tactile and visual qualities of materials and how they contribute to the overall design.
The use of color to express themes and emotions is a fundamental aspect of fashion design. The project required exploring various color combinations to capture the essence of GPP experiences. Knowledge of color theory, including the psychological impact of colors and how they interact, is important for creating designs that resonate with viewers and convey intended messages.
Tina aims to use fashion to address social and health-related issues, raising awareness and fostering understanding. This involves understanding how fashion can serve as a platform for social commentary and advocacy. She must be able to integrate themes and messages into their work, using fashion as a tool for communication and change.
To understand GPP, Tina conducted extensive research, including watching interviews with medical professionals and individuals affected by the disease. This demonstrates the ability to gather and synthesize information from various sources, a crucial skill for lifelong learning. It enables individuals to build a comprehensive understanding of complex topics and apply this knowledge to their work.
The challenge of connecting GPP symptoms and emotions to fashion design required experimenting with different colors, materials, and features. Creative problem-solving involves thinking outside the box and exploring innovative solutions to complex problems. This skill is vital for lifelong learning, as it encourages adaptability and the ability to tackle challenges with creativity and resourcefulness.
Tina engaged with professors and collaborated with organizations like the Hong Kong Psoriasis Patients Association. Collaboration and networking involve building relationships with mentors, peers, and external partners to share knowledge and resources. This skill enhances learning opportunities and supports the successful execution of projects through collective expertise and support.
The iterative nature of the design process, including brainstorming and refinement, highlights the importance of incorporating feedback and continuously improving work. Iterative design and feedback integration involve being open to critique, learning from mistakes, and making adjustments to enhance outcomes. This skill fosters a growth mindset and supports continuous improvement and innovation.
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Conceptual Design and Storytelling
Research and Information Literacy
