As the Tide Rises

capstone 2023

 Exploring a future presence in which humans have re-adapted and developed to a hybrid-aquatic lifestyle necessitated by the rise of the ocean, this collection displays the frustrating beauty of human resilience. What happens when we neglect the world we believe serves us rather than a reciprocative interaction? The change of coastlines affected every nation differently. Mass migration inland displacing hundreds of millions, major protests highlighting the shortcomings of environment protection policies and the performative ineffective activism of greenwashing. All tumultuous events of the past leading to this inevitable presence. Major societal restructuring taking place and technological developments aid as the human race learns a deeper environmental connection to marine ecosystems, determined not to repeat the behaviors which caused what some would deem as a total collapse of past society. Some have deemed this a blessing in disguise, others wish actions to prevent any of this from occurring in the first place.

 Function and beauty inspired by coral ecosystems and the structure of the natural marine life inspire the visuals. Idealized technology and apparatuses are imagined inspired by current day responses to the issues of sea-level rise and intense storms. 

timeline

2025

(2023)

Even if every factory and industrialization was to stop at this very moment, the earth would still require millenniums to reach its pre-industrialization temperature through compaction. As the Earth’s temperature approaches the +1°Celsius mark, the Paris Agreement shifts its new goal to prevent reaching +1.5° Celsius. What humans decide to do going forward will be on the basis of how to stagnate further global temperature rise if not to actively remove carbon (dioxide) from the atmosphere to reverse it. Presently, that idea of removing emissions and reversing existent damage is wishful thinking at best.

By understanding what actions are being taken presently, there is recognition in what actions can further compensate for the late response to anthropogenic climate change. Cities along coastlines such as New Orleans, Louisiana and Miami, Florida are becoming “Ground Zero” for actively combatting both extreme weather and sea level rise. These show us a glimpse of how technology and consequently life will change in necessity as the decades progress.

2050

2100+…

With human ability granting the capacity for problem-solving, technology in its advance will surely be the salvation for the predicted changes to the atmosphere.

While it cannot be definitively said because of Amara’s Law [“We tend to overestimate the effect of a technology in the short run and underestimate the effect in the long run”] , forecasts for the type of technology could be inferred based on the sorts of issues that will continue to plague human kind.

What can be expected for the atmosphere?

  1. Increased Lifespan and Global Population: The global population is expected to reach 9.7 billion from the present 8 billion.

  2. Average Temperatures in Each Season Spike: No longer will the averages South California resident experience an Autumn month in the 50°Fahrenheit range- it will be common to see days in the 80-90°’s.

  3. The Lower Ozone Will Depress in Breathing Quality: as temperature increases, ground-level ozone will accumulate causing adverse health risks.

  4. Oceans and Other Bodies of Water Will Suffer from Acidification: Large bodies of water act as sponges for pollutants, absorbing chemicals from vapor and runoff, and could cause issues ranging from coral reef die-off to harmful algae blooms.

  5. Further, Water Distribution Becomes Disproportionate: More parts of the world will experience droughts more frequently; adversely, more regions will experience flooding. Because of the atmosphere’s warming, the water cycle will accelerate, primarily in the evaporation stage.

technology

Items 3-5 demand solutions that future technology could aid in alleviating health complications as they’re expected to become commonplace.

Handbag

Backpack

Goggles

2075

As extreme weather events become more commonplace, they have lost their “extreme” classification. Humans who have migrated inland may decide return to the (new) coasts, and thanks to advancements in technology, it may be possible to live a coastal lifestyle, albeit seafaring. As marine ecosystems have become an increasingly essential facet of everyday life and health, it has influenced apparel and fashion preferences. Clothing that blends in, allows movement, keeps dry or dries quickly- all while remaining stylish- will hold appeal.

LookBook

Predictions for the earth in 75 years and beyond include a global temperature increase ranging anywhere from an “ideal” 1.5° Celsius to 5.7° Celsius, a 5.7° increase being the worst case scenario and causing large regions of the planet to become uninhabitable. The population is expected to top out at 11 billion by some projections, while other trends point to a cap of 9 billion, contrary to 2050’s expectations. Predictions and expectations for weather events will continue to intensify and disproportionately affect environments. Oceans could become receptive to emission absorption, ultimately leading to reduced oxygen levels.

Even with the adoption of bio-inspiration and utilization of natural processes, life on earth will decrease in quality considerable for everyone and everything if changes to the way humans live in the previous 75 years are not addressed with restorative efforts.

[“We tend to overestimate the effect of a technology in the short run and underestimate the effect in the long run”]

-Amara’s law, Roy amara

The BacKPAck

The goggles

If future generations of humans are to live a semi-aquatic lifestyle, it is reasonable to assume the necessity of goggles, amongst other protective equipment. The premise of goggles is universally understood, but the eyewear in this collection is inspired by the coral ecosystems as well as fins, tails, and gills found on marine life. The sequins and jewels are inspired by fish scales and refractions of light on the water.

The handbag

With an arrangement of marine botanics, this handbag displays a concept of a hand-held air filtration system and even a unique power source. Plants that grow along the ocean and in shallow depths have a unique resilience to changing weather and temperatures. Could these plants be a reliable source of energy? Could a similar piece of equipment be used for agricultural purposes by a coastal civilization? There are many unique possibilities this concept inspires. An authentic piece of technology would also be made from recycled metal, tempered glass, and would have the proper technology to bring the apparatus’s usability to fruition.

technology

In similar respects to the handbag’s technology, a small ecosystem of coral and marine botanics inside of this aquarium tank backpack shows the concept of a possible solution for the issues of acidification and de-oxygenation in the ocean. An authentic piece of technology would also be made from recycled metal, tempered glass, and would include an oxygen mask that allows the wearer to obtain clean oxygen. This concept highlights coral reefs’ ability to naturally filter in the environment and dictates its importance to the entire marine ecosystem.

Look 3: The Shore

A jersey knit with subtle metallic sheen and an iridescent spandex composes this boiler suit. The contrast panels cut at a princess lines and continue into the under sleeve. Double-needle threading along the sides of the sleeves imitate heavy duty garments such as jeans and bib pants. The garment’s industrial feel is further articulated by cargo pockets placed at the sides of the thighs and the back of the pant. Pouch pockets are hidden by the ruffled trim that adorns the princess line seams. Zippers at the calf suggest (faux) pockets. The garment features rich chartreuse appliqués, hand stitched with  thoughtful placing to imitate both seaweed and algae similarly seen on docks and boats as barnacles which inspire the appliqués on the fishing net dress. The green color of the appliqués allows this garment to stand out amongst the others in this collection, but is tied in visually  to the accessories.

LookBook

[the concept shoot}

Constructed with a scuba-spacer knit, this bodysuit is inspired by surfers’ and divers’ wetsuits, with an updated silhouette that feels closer to a one-piece or rash guard. A drawstring hood lined with shimmering fine mesh connects this garment further into the sportswear approach. The garment features white lace appliqué-work that portrays coral ecosystems. The white colors -while consistent within the collection and striking against the deep teal- reflect the issue of coral reefs being sun-bleached or damaged by ocean acidification. The garment is paired with a pair of light blue fishing net short tights.

Look 1: The Flood

Featuring white iridescent waterproof fabric, the main garment is a dress imitating a rain jacket. With purl-merrowed hems and seams, this piece includes faux drawstrings along the neckline, sleeves, and hem, and has a lightweight sports zipper closure.

The corset ties in a level of elegance and provides a flattering silhouette, cinching in the waistline of the jacket-dress with lace up closure at the back.

Both pieces feature appliqués that imitate bubbles and the refractions of water.

Look 4: The Reef

Look 2: The Coast

Featuring a white fishing net, the main garment is a midi length fishnet dress. The neckline and arm holes are finished with glittering white ribbing to keep a sporty feel. The dress is cut with high slits that sit at the hips for a complimenting figure. Both the neckline and sides of the hems are adorned with light turquoise appliqués. The netting is further accentuated by glass pearl beading. This ornamentation replicates barnacles that grow along man-made construction and equipment like docks, boats, buoys and shipwrecks and on marine life like whales.

The bandeau top is constructed from a two-tone chiffon and features feminine characteristics like billowing sleeves for a dramatized look and a ruffled trimming. The cuffs and back closure are constructed from a knit that ties in the sporty theme, the closure being a hook-closure often seen on swimwear that feels appropriate for the theme.

The swim bottoms keep it simple with a high hip-hugging waistband, and are made from a tricot knit.