This project draws inspiration from the complex and intricate world of mushrooms. With increased scientific research for sustainability and medicine, mushrooms have become an increasingly explored avenue for creativity for many designers. Furthermore, with a growing social awareness of the importance of being connected to nature in the last few years, this project aims to translate the ethereal quality of mushrooms into textiles, exploring their organic shapes, patterns, and textures to create refined fabrics.

The fabrics are designed with a couture market in mind, taking inspiration from artists like Tim Walker, Shirley Kurata, and Iris Van Herpen to capture surrealist styling. Mushrooms have been a recurring element within surrealism, symbolizing transformation, mystery, and the subconscious.  Surrealist artists often incorporate mushroom imagery in their works to help represent the dreamlike blurring of boundaries between fantasy and reality.

To bring the designs to life, the project uses delicate materials like silk and mohair to bring a refined texture. More exploratory materials like wire and monofilament give more room for exploration of  the qualities of the fabric, creating transparency, shine, and structure. Techniques like shirring and pleating create texture that alludes to the delicate gills present on the underside of a lot of fungi. Elastic and weaving patterns combine to create a bubbled and textured surface that aims to mimic the shape and texture of the mushrooms I have grown and foraged throughout this project.