Narrative

AVA GOURLAY

DYSLEXIC THINKING

SUMMER 2021

 

‘Dyslexic Thinking’ is a textile based, women’s wear collection made up of six looks. The collection is mostly inspired by my personal relationship with dyslexia and how this affects me in good and bad ways. I chose to look into this theme as it is something personal to me and also a subject I wanted to explore further, both personally and within my studies. I explored my struggles with dyslexia, things that help me read and write and also looked at the difference within dyslexic’s brains. From here, I picked out interesting and exciting textures that I saw within my primary and secondary research. Colour overlays, which help dyslexic people read, were a considerable influence for colour, layering and fabric within this project. My own handwriting and thoughts around dyslexia also feature within the collection. I took inspiration for textile techniques from designers including Victor and Ralf, Yumi Katsura and newly graduated Ella Liversidge. These designers all worked with layers and sheer materials, which is something I wanted to incorporate into my own work.

 

For my collection, I wanted to showcase designs which looked mostly at the creative and beneficial side of dyslexia. For this reason, I used bright, bold colours and gave the designs a creative feel. I incorporated layers within the collection, with each one demonstrating different themes within dyslexia. The sheer materials allow the viewer to see each layer which show every part of my thoughts around dyslexia. These ideas have been worked together into textiles and patterns and applied to a collection of six garment designs, with one of these designs being constructed into a final garment. 

 

This collection was designed with the intention of giving the wearer the feeling of empowerment. Allowing the viewer to see personal thoughts and feelings around the theme of dyslexia.