The Art of Craft - Uniformity and Luxury: The Mao Jacket
USC School of Architecture | Spring 2014

Professor Lee Olvera

​

Objective. To design and construct a Mao jacket based on a specifically prescribed pattern in every detail. 

 

Parameters. A maximum of two materials is allowed and integrated as a unified system joined by a hand-controlled process. The jacket must be wearable, thus the material properties of constructability, flexibility, portability, and durability were to be considered.

​

Inspiration. (1) Weaving techniques; (2) Dual-material jackets; (3) Hood element - interpreted to be a political statement.

​

Color. In choosing the color to develop the jacket, a driving force was to make the overall look reflect an associated material (true blue: denim; black: wool, leather, etc.). Ultimately, silver was chosen as it gave the appeal of metal. 

​

Process. I began by testing out different materials with the intention of finding one that allowed both flexibility and sturdiness. Curling ribbon proved to be lightweight and extremely versatile. After various experiments, I chose to go forward with crochet as the ribbon took on a different property, sturdy like chain links, and a weave, where the material mimicked a structural look. I developed a variation of a double crochet stitch and a basic weave pattern based on moments of movement on the jacket as I wanted optimal comfort when worn. Crochet was used in places where seams connected to different panels.