Brooke McKee: Tie the Bow
Artist Statement
In the Fall of 2022, I was tasked with creating an apparel line for undeserved consumer groups using inclusive design. After researching the industry apparel categories, I discovered that wedding apparel for people with disabilities (PWDs) was nearly non-existent. Due to the gap in the consumer market, I knew I could utilize this untapped space as a challenge. I created the brand, Well Wedd, to address the challenges facing neurodivergent brides on their wedding day. My designs and dress modifications were applied based on my research of the specific neurodivergent symptoms that could interfere with one's wedding day. My dresses feature a range of adaptable features that help with sensory sensitivity, anxiety, ADD, OCD, and high-functioning autism. My goal in creating this design was to empower the wearer to be comfortable and present during a possibly overstimulating time. This specific dress features a jersey-knit fabric lining that is sensory safe, an open back and short underskirt for additional airflow, and adjustable compression across the midsection for help with anxiety control. During my design process, I used current & classic bridal trends as my inspiration and approached my design development by using a mixture of draping and flat patternmaking to accomplish the intricate construction. I utilized interfacing, hand sewing/tacking, and other hidden details to ensure the stability of the ruching and pleats. The primary goal of this design is to give brides an extra layer of comfort and support on their special day so they can remain as present as possible.
About the Project
- Title of Work: Tie the Bow
- Medium: Women's wedding dress made of satin, jersey-knit, cotton, and lace.
- Presented on size 8 dress form, approximately 65 inches in height.
- Student's Name: Brooke McKee
- Major: Textile and Apparel Management
- Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2024
- Hometown: Leawood, Kansas, U.S.
- Student's Mentor: Kerri McBee-Black
- Mentor's Department: Textile & Apparel Management
Comments
Ying Hu
Great design for sensory senstive people. Current bridal apparel designs on the market seem to want to convince brides that it is normal to sacrifice comfortableness for beauty on the big day. Wish to see more sensory senstive bridal apparels on the market in the future.
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