Arts Thread

It's time to get back in touch with our senses. Time to Touch-A-Lot. During my second-year project, I based my concept on my childhood dyslexia titled 'Childhood Bliss'. I explored sensory communication through touch. My dyslexia affected my speech, meaning I didn’t talk until at least 5 years old with speech therapy along side to develop my skills. I took initial inspiration from a previous project 'Childhood Bliss'. Looking into this influence of touch further, in my adult life, my Nan has macular degeneration (MD), which leaves her with only peripheral vision. This classifies her as legally blind and relies on touch and other heightened senses. The concept explores and identifies how touch is valued and how we can reconnect to touch after a global pandemic. Relying on technology to connect us has become outdated and we need to stimulate our skin and fingers more. This collection will research how visually impaired/blind consumers relate to fashion - they mainly rely on touch to understand and form an opinion on garments. The softer, lightweight fabric used is known as more attractive. Creating a collection that changes in textures, from soft to rough helps to stimulate our sense of touch and is inclusive of all customers.