When you think of art forms, the first that come to mind are typically painting, poetry, or music. However, there are so many different art forms! Architecture, film, dance, or even making games are also important art forms that you may not initially think of. Though I enjoy many of these, one of my favorites is sewing and fashion. Fashion has been used over generations to express ideas, feelings, and individuality, and I now use it for the same reasons.
This summer, I attempted to make something that I had never tried before. With an impending trip to the Philippines, my family had planned a cultural social event called a “debut.” Similar to a “sweet sixteen” or a “quinceanera,” a “debut” is the Filipino version that happens when someone turns 18. I had already turned 18 by that point, but we wanted to celebrate the milestone with my family there. With a little more than a week left before our trip to the Philippines, I decided to sew my own gown.
So, my dressmaking journey began with a gown for this big event. I had no plan or experience making formal dresses. I make my own clothes, but I tend to favor heavier fabrics such as denim or cotton fabrics that are easy to work with. My debut dress was mainly going to be made out of a purple satin underneath and a sparkly blue tulle on top. Satin is a shiny and smooth fabric that frays easily, and tulle is a netted, see-through fabric that is quite delicate (think of what tutus are made out of). These materials are not as easy to work with, but I was determined to make this dress.
My intended approach was very similar to how I would paint a painting. Clothes-making, like painting, is very artistic. They both require technical skills, such as proper garment construction in clothes-making, or, an understanding of anatomy and the medium you are using in painting. Further, the freedom to express yourself is something that both art forms share. When I was making my dress, I would drape my fabrics on top of the mannequin to visualize what the final product would look like, changing things as I saw fit. This trial-and-error approach reminded me of my similar trial-and-error approach in painting. I like to see what the full picture looks like, adding almost randomly to different parts of the art piece until I like how everything looks as a cohesive whole.
There was a lot of reworking, stress, and mistakes during this process. At multiple points, I really didn’t want to finish my project. The reason I didn’t give up was honestly because I already bought the fabric; I didn’t want to waste my money! However, in the end, I think it was special that I made my own dress and I am glad that I decided to finish it. Even though when I look at pictures of it I see a lot of mistakes, it was still worth it. It was something unique that I did, and I learned a lot of things in the process. I was able to express myself through the dress. While I did choose the colors, silhouette, style, and more details, making my own dress expressed a part of my personality that was separate from how the dress looked. It showed that I like a challenge, that I love to be creative, and that I love to make things. Lastly, because I took on this project, I now have more skills. I can add a deeper understanding of dressmaking to my repertoire of hobbies and interests: my different art forms.
As for the event itself, I had a wonderful time with my family in the Philippines at my debut. I spent time with my cousins and got to know some of my distant family better. Traditionally, during a part of the program, the people attending the event pin money on your dress as you sing. That was one of my favorite moments because the dress had an important role. I was able to wear my finished dress to the party, and it seemed like everyone loved it! It was a great experience. It’s always rewarding to express yourself and make something that you’re passionate about.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.