Paper Fashion: Don’t get caught in the rain!
A little while ago, I stumbled across a fun article about Kara Koskowich, a Lethbridge Alberta teen who used her old math homework to create her prom dress. While I’d heard about people using creative materials to create costumes for their graduation, this was the first time I’d heard about anyone using paper! As I started to do a little more digging, I discovered that paper clothing actually has quite a history.
According to an article called Disposable Suits and Paper Underpants on Mental Floss, at the beginning of the 20th century, several manufacturers pitched creating clothing out of paper as a cheap way to replace using more expensive fabric to sew garments. Wearers could simply don an outfit made of sturdy paper and then chuck it once they were done.
Perhaps too far ahead of its its time, these early paper clothes failed to catch on. According to the same article however, in the 1960s a range of designers tried creating paper dresses, which ended up being a hit! Prone to ripping (and probably dangerous to wear on a rainy day), these dresses were nonetheless incredibly popular. Andy Warhol even got in on the paper dress craze, creating the "Souper" dress, a version using his iconic soup cans as a printed motif.
There aren't a lot of designers who are creating paper clothes for mass consumption today – that being said, there are some incredible artists out there who are using paper to create clothing and accessories. For instance, check out the amazing ensemble by German artist Julie Waibel in the video embedded below. What blows me away about these garments is the way they move when worn – rather than flowing like a traditional fabric item would, they almost seem like a living thing on their wearers' body. These definitely put my Origami skills to shame!
Entfaltung collapsible fashion by Jule Waibel from Dezeen on Vimeo.
Feeling inspired? Use some of these books to help inspire you to create your own incredible and unconventional fashion accessories!
Or try stopping by the library for a free program like this Duct Tape Wallet and Accessory workshop at Cedarbrae, or this Rolled Paper Beads workshop at S. Walter Stewart.
11 thoughts on “Paper Fashion: Don’t get caught in the rain!”
Wow!! Firstly, Andy Warhol was the KING of Pop art. His art honestly inspired me and by me seeing that dress, it honestly looks unique and beautiful. Also, the garments by Julie Waibel are amazing. The video really helps you see where fashion is going and helps you see a different side to fashion than what we all are used to.
Yes! I definitely agree about Andy Warhol. I love all his artwork, his pop art is historical. The dress is beautiful and expresses him greatly. I wish it could be a fabric dress because then I will definitely wear it, what a statement it make.
*makes
This is so fascinating. Word Out should hold a Paper Fashion contest if they can, I’d love to see entries by local Toronto teens!
Ya I actually heard about him in my Art course and he is inspiring. I also totally agree about the dress. It would be cool if it could be a fabric dress. If it was I would DEFINITELY wear it too!! 🙂
Ya that would be cool, Agent T.
This is great!!!!! Andy Warhol was one of the best pop artists of all time!!! I especially liked the cooks featuring Marilyn Monroe and the Campbell Soup cans.
Holy cow! That dress is the coolest dress ever!
Lovely dress!
This is great! I love it…
it’s really amazing.