Mindful Intersections: Charting the Course Less Travelled (2022)
First Runner-up for the Singapore Stories 2022 Fashion Design Competition
This collection was inspired by the Astrolabe. An important scientific instrument introduced by the Islamic community, it measures the position of heavenly bodies to illuminate many things, such as one’s position, latitude, and time. It is a map of three-dimensional heavens projected stereographically onto a palmsized image; a minute representation of things far larger. This useful device helped kickstart a heritage of trade and in Singapore and established it as a centre of a global trading network. Such artistic devices highlight the travel-yearning and curiosity of past peoples. Similarly, at Baëlf, our experiments with technologies and techniques characterised our search for knowledge and enlightenment through art, science, and the spiritual.
Baëlf Design was intrigued by the idea of the micro and macrocosm, that within the human body lies a meta-physical map of the universe. We explored how the intriguing line-play of these maps could be used to encapsulate the human body, to convey larger-than-life visual spectacles, literal embodiments of the cosmos and forged pathways seen from humanity’s viewpoint. This collection represented our tiny efforts to make sense of the intangible, of things far larger than our physical selves.
Jamela Law receiving her award from Senior Minister of State Sim Ann, at the Singapore Stories Awards Ceremony held at the Asian Civilisations Museum
20:31
“Velvety Black Abyss with Glittery Beams
Jewelled with Pallid Moons and Sensual Orbs”
For this look, we used flexible 3D material with modified titanium-dioxide that has with novel air purifying features, breaking down carbon dioxide into harmless minerals in the presence of UV light.
By modifying the traditional 3D printing process, we were able to integrate the material with porous, sturdy mesh fabric to create light and structural dress patterns.
Launch Film for TMW Maxwell
Director: Jake Nam
Videography: Rolla Productions
Stylist: Siau Xindi
Models: Angelene Wong, Malisia Sirica, Alexander Yue, Markus Karner
02:45
“Constellations of Stars and Boats- guiding, gilding
Transient lines filling up Space and Time”
We sought a traditional craftsman to be part of the process as we study how we can rejuvenate the art of silkscreen printing through integration with innovative digital design methods.
The pattern outlines of this dress and the surface artwork were uniquely printed using these screens instead of relying on conventional pattern layouts.
The black pigments used were made from upcycled air pollutants mixed with puff additive to render a 3D relief effect. The result is a set of elegant printed paths that seamlessly travel all around the dress to tell a visually engaging story.
04:36
“Dynamic Tracks gaining traction
Along the coast on a Summer night”
Part of this dress was printed with eco-resin derived from soya bean oil. We prepared a design system to help us generate paths that travel around in 3D space, that were derived from the sea trade routes circling around and into Singapore. These elegant paths intertwine with each other to create a look that is curious and otherworldly.
Despite having a metallic chrome appearance, these pieces are incredibly lightweight.
Marina Bay Sands Expo,2nd Feb 23
Model: Spencer Zhishan, Basic Models
Photography: Jamela Law
Stylist: Gabby
Hair: Christian Maranion
Makeup: Fiona Bennett
11:42
“We are the Arcs and Angles, Slides and Planes
Studying our Arithmetic Purpose”
This look exhibits the process we developed to fabricate three dimensional fabric forms impossible to achieve with traditional draping and drafting techniques. This process handles doubly-curved surfaces, flattening them into 2D patterns while allowing us to carefully control the deposition of flexible material on the fabric. We can varying their thicknesses and density, to achieve desired structural behaviours when assembled in 3D.
Venue: The Ugly Space
Model: Olga Krasova, Now Model Management
Setup, lights, photography: Mirabelle Koh
Makeup, hair: Vicky Ang Makeup
Wearable art: Baëlf Design
Styling: Gabby
Assist: Jamela, Lionel, Nerissa
15:36
“Intersections of Mobius Multiplicity
Expanding Horizons, making Marks”
To extol the virtues of upcycling in fashion, the fabric-based dresses in this collection used factory scraps for their inner linings. Hence there was an intentional and whimsical colour mismatch between the shell and lining.
Inspired by Mobius strips, this dress playfully blurs the boundary between the inside and outside through the use of curved arcs in its silhouette. Aluminum wires were embedded within these defining lines, allowing the dress to be sculpted to shape however the wearer prefers.
18:48
“Celeste shines from Apostolic Height
Inherited by souls with Goldenly Gleams”
To achieve a visually weightless appearance for the ray-like structures radiating out of the sleeves and skirt of this dress, we experimented with 3D print process modification and 3D pens to weld these elements together. What resulted is a look that is seemingly too complex for an FDM 3D printer.
This dress was displayed at Design Orchard boutique in early November 2022.
