Dimensional Knit Winter Dress Coat by Martha Calderon

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DI: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?

MC : I was inspired by the architectural work of Frank Gehry.

DI: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?

MC : I wanted to create dimension on the fabric, which is something rarely seen on a knit garment.

DI: What are your future plans for this award winning design?

MC : As a knitwear designer I have always felt that knitwear is been a little underappreciated. the first thing that comes to mind when I mention the word "knitwear" is ugly sweaters or the old fashion hand knitting. I would like to bring new things to this industry and change people's perception about knits, and hopefully a better appreciation of the art form and its process.

DI: How long did it take you to design this particular concept?

MC : This was just one piece from an entire coat collection of twelve, which took around 7 months.

DI: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?

MC : I received a full scholarship from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising to participate in a year program designing an entire collection, and presenting it at the FIDM Debut Fashion Show 2015. I had freedom to choose the concept and the inspiration.

DI: Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?

MC : I'm currently displaying this item at one of the school libraries, I would like to showcase this piece in different places. I consider this piece to be unique and hard to replicate, so I don't have any plans on selling. I would like to produce a similar designs in the future and make it more functional and affordable.

DI: What made you design this particular type of work?

MC : I wanted to take this opportunity and create something new and combine both of my artistic and designer skills, and take knitwear to a whole new level.

DI: Who is the target customer for his design?

MC : Women contemporary 30 - 50

DI: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?

MC : My design is very i

DI: Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?

MC : I made the coat on a bulky Hand knitting machine and I used acid dye to hand paint the edges of the fabric.

DI: What is the most unique aspect of your design?

MC : the fabric

DI: Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?

MC : Anne Bennion (the chair person of the textile program at FIDM) supervised my work and helped me with the dying process.