‘Spectral Objects’ recognised for innovative design combining a futuristic concept with modern making techniques and traditional craft
Maria Nava, a second year student studying Fashion – Wearable Technology, has won the RCA x 100% Optical competition in 2022. The competition asked the students to reflect on the past “to see into the future”, using – specifically – repurposed acetate. The brief stated that the eyewear designs needed “to feel good and make us feel good, sexy, attractive, defining who we really are”. They pointed to fit, facial type, head measurements and relevant styles based on head size, prescription and context for the wearer and their lifestyle and habits.” All designs had to be made using the recycled acetate.
Nava’s design was characterised by a structure that fits over the head. The purpose of the artifact, explains the designer of the winning work, was to trigger conversations about our bodies, and question how our identity can morph, change and evolve in a direct relationship to contraction and expansion movements over a human face. The headpiece contracts and expands in three main areas, at the ears, nose and eyes. Freedom is given to the wearer to adjust or modify selected pieces in these three main areas. This allows each individual’s anatomy to fit in but also experience comfort and discomfort.
The designer achieved the flexible structures by combining traditional and modern making techniques such as 3D printing, CNC machining, painted gradients, sculpting and hand finishing.
Upcycled materials such as acetate sheets (from Algha), repurposed acrylic pieces and resins are used in the elaboration of the design piece. For more details about the artist: https://wip2022.rca.ac.uk/students/maria-fernanda-nava-melgar
This feature was written by Clodagh Norton – all rights reserved