Photos: Kevin Chen
AZOREAN CAPE
In the summer of 2019, I spent time in the Azores, Portugal, where my family is from. While there, I learned about the traditional Azorean wool cape worn by women in the 19th century to protect from bad weather.
I considered the way that capes act as both protective garments and as ways to hide the body. I wanted to modernize the Azorean cape while holding true to these tenets. I designed, draped and constructed this cape using a navy blue cashmere-wool blend and leather binding. I offset-turned the walnut buttons on the lathe.
This was an exploration in producing functional, wearable, long-lasting work with natural materials. As an Azorean-American, this cape acts as a tribute to my family heritage and an exploration of the way apparel can respond to the female form.
OVERVIEW
HISTORICAL INSPIRATION
Traditional wool cape worn by women in the Azores in the 19th century.
Source: New Bedford Whaling Museum, ModeMuseum Provincie Antwerpen (MoMu)
COLLECTION SKETCHES & MOOD BOARD
PROCESS
