Interview about Flower Power Fabric Pattern Design, winner of the A' Textile, Fabric, Textures, Patterns and Cloth Design Award 2020
The explorations of shapes and colors where the contrast and harmony play an eye-catching rule by itself. The mix of organic natural forms accompanied by bright and sharp colors which gave the refreshment and pleasant look to the piece. The delicate line art which is juxtaposed on colored surfaces that creates the floral compositions, which flows with total freedom between each other and where each part has its space to breathe, grow and going forward.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsThank you for such a thoughtful observation! I wanted to capture the energy and symbolism of the original photograph while translating it into something that speaks to today's fashion and cultural aesthetics. I started by focusing on motifs like flowers and peace symbols, reinterpreting them in a way that felt fresh and relevant. From there, I worked with color and form to blend historical references with modern design sensibilities, creating a pattern that reflects both past values and present style trends. This process allowed me to explore how art and fashion can continue to carry powerful messages, even as the context around them evolves.
I started by researching colors associated with protest art and the 1960s era, particularly those tied to peace and resilience. Darker tones were chosen to represent the weight of global challenges, serving as a grounding layer, while the bright hues—like vivid oranges, greens, and yellows—symbolize hope, growth, and the energy of change. The balance comes from layering these colors thoughtfully, so that while the darker shades anchor the design, the brighter tones rise through, reflecting a message of optimism and resilience. This approach helped me create a visual dialogue between the struggles of the past and a hopeful outlook for the future.
For this piece, I wanted to capture the warmth and authenticity of hand-drawn lines, which I felt would best convey the organic nature of the 'flower power' theme and the spirit of 1960s art. I started by sketching the core floral and symbolic elements by hand, allowing for slight imperfections and textures that give a more human, tactile feel. Once I had these foundational sketches, I moved to digital tools to refine, layer, and adjust the design’s structure and colors. The digital aspect allowed me to experiment with scale, repetition, and vibrant color contrasts that wouldn’t have been as flexible by hand alone. This combination of techniques felt like the ideal way to blend historical resonance with a polished, modern finish.
Choosing organic cotton poplin for Flower Power Fabric Pattern Design was essential to my goal of aligning the project with environmental responsibility. Organic cotton requires fewer resources and no harmful chemicals, reducing its environmental impact, which felt in harmony with the pattern’s message of peace and renewal. Beyond material selection, these considerations influenced the design itself, with motifs and colors chosen to reflect nature's resilience and vibrancy. The result is a piece where both the material and design speak to a mindful, sustainable approach that honors the values of the original 'flower power' movement while resonating with today's focus on environmental stewardship.
Thank you for noticing that detail! In Flower Power Fabric Pattern Design, I wanted each floral element to have its own ‘breathing space’ to evoke a sense of openness and individuality, similar to the diverse, free-spirited energy of the flower power movement. This approach was inspired by vintage posters from the 1960s that often used open compositions to create a relaxed, harmonious feeling. By using delicate line art alongside colored surfaces, I aimed to establish a visual rhythm that allows each element to stand out while remaining part of the larger pattern. This balance reflects the idea that individual voices can come together to form a cohesive, powerful message—a concept central to both the historical roots and modern interpretation of flower power.
Spending time in my own head was a key part of creating a piece that felt authentic and resonant. I wanted to capture the underlying emotions of hope, resilience, and unity that the flower power movement represents. This introspection helped me identify specific emotions and memories tied to nature, peace, and social change, which I then translated into visual elements like open floral shapes and vibrant colors. It also influenced the flow and spacing within the pattern, as I aimed to create a design that feels calm yet impactful. This process of connecting with my emotions allowed me to shape a pattern that isn't just decorative but carries a personal, meaningful narrative.
Balancing commercial viability with the artistic message in Flower Power Fabric Pattern Design was both challenging and rewarding. I wanted the design to feel fresh and relevant for SS 2020, so I looked at trends like bold colors, retro motifs, and sustainable fabrics, ensuring it could resonate in a contemporary fashion context. At the same time, I kept the design rooted in its message of peace and resilience by preserving the symbolic elements and careful use of space. The balance came from weaving these motifs into a modern aesthetic that could appeal to today’s audience while staying true to the spirit of the 'flower power' movement. This approach allowed me to create a design that feels meaningful yet wearable, bringing a sense of purpose to fashion.
I studied the bold, free-form shapes and earthy, vibrant color palettes typical of that era, capturing their sense of spontaneity and optimism. To make the pattern relevant for today, I paired these retro-inspired forms with a more refined, minimalist composition, giving each floral element space and balance that reflects contemporary design sensibilities. This dual perspective allowed me to create a pattern that honors the flower power movement’s original energy while adapting it to a fresh, versatile look that speaks to today’s aesthetics and values.
Creating a seamless repeat for Flower Power Fabric Pattern Design was definitely a rewarding challenge. One of the biggest obstacles was ensuring that the hand-drawn elements retained their organic quality without creating visual interruptions in the pattern. I spent a lot of time adjusting the placement and scaling of each element to keep the flow harmonious, making sure that no lines or shapes felt too dominant or lost in the repeat. Additionally, translating the texture and subtle imperfections of the hand-drawn lines into a digital format required careful adjustments to avoid any ‘jumps’ or inconsistencies in the final layout. Balancing the natural, free-flowing look with technical precision was key to achieving a seamless repeat that feels fluid and cohesive.
Thank you! Winning the Bronze A' Design Award for Flower Power Fabric Pattern Design is incredibly inspiring and affirming for me. This recognition reinforces my commitment to creating designs that carry both aesthetic and meaningful messages, and it encourages me to continue exploring themes like sustainability, social awareness, and historical inspiration in my work. Moving forward, I envision pushing boundaries even further by experimenting with new materials, techniques, and color palettes, while still grounding my designs in purpose and storytelling. This award has given me a boost of confidence to take creative risks and pursue projects that align with my vision of thoughtful, impactful textile design,
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