Introducing the eccentric Melissa Barrass, a design student in her final year based in Sydney. She is an individual with an ability to observe distinguishing design elements that is rare in today's conformist society. Majoring in Graphic & Textiles design, she also continuously works on her own projects driven by her eye for detail and passion for exploring current social and political issues. Barrass also goes by the name of Bo & Aropax as branding for her design work, because she has "never like the idea of [her] own name being publicly addressed as a label or business". Her projects range from political statement infused garments to beautifully constructed collages.
She wonderfully displays her design process through photographic documentation and her journal allows an insight into the mind of probably one of the most motivated students I know. Her style is a mix between early 90s grunge with an almost "fifth element" feel. She marries holographic mylar (a type of polyester film) and other contrasting textures like black braided leather and even clear vinyl. With an affinity for all things iridescent, she interestingly clashes these textures with even more unusual forms in her garments, which grabs the viewers attention and even more importantly gets them to think "but why is this so?". Barrass even describes her branding as "tribal paganism meets post-apocalyptic avant garde", which is very fitting.
Crystallize (above) is "an exploration of shield, shell and shape through the use of modern materials designed in a contemporary manner where natural geological formations serve as a major inspiration for the form of the fashion wearables"
A collection of process shots, found on her website, not only demonstrates a fantastic insight into the time and effort she puts in, but also her research and concept developments behind each of her projects.
To get an idea where Barrass draws her inspiration, her tumblr gives a great insight into the workings of her fantastic imagination and progressing design aesthetic.
I think I would break the record for world's biggest smile right now. Thankyou Lauren <3 so very much. I am super flattered xoxoxoxoox
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