Bourbon Street

Abstract

<p>New Orleans has a unique identity influenced as much by its Creole culture as by the land it occupies. Bordered by the Mississippi River, Lake Pontchartrain, Wetlands, and Bayou Savage, its distinct wildlife and climate shaped its demography as colonizers from France and Spain began to explore the area. My purpose was to create a cohesive image of New Orleans from the crudity of the bayou to intricacy of the French Quarter. New Orleans has an excess of alligator skins with imperfections including cuts, scale slips, and subcutaneous blemishes. Though these skins are deemed undesirable, I wanted to portray their beauty—imperfections included. Thus, I designed a cocktail dress with a zero-waste mindset so every part of the alligator could be showcased. My design was composed of alligator skin, metal hardware, and cotton Ponte knit. I juxtaposed these different materials so their contrast can exemplify their individual essences.</p>