CHROMATIC HARVEST

"Chromatic Harvest" explores the lost art of harvesting Murex sea snails to create Tyrian purple, using the ancient dye-making process as a commentary on today's fast-fashion culture. Inspired by the painstaking labor, patience, and craftsmanship required to produce the coveted purple pigment around 1600 BCE, the collection emphasizes the rarity and value of intentionally and responsibly made garments, encouraging a renewed appreciation for slow fashion and the artistry behind every piece.

Originally developed by the Phoenicians, Tyrian purple was created through an extraordinarily labor-intensive process that involved harvesting thousands of Murex sea snails from the Mediterranean Sea, crushing their shells, and extracting the hypobranchial gland used to produce the rich purple pigment. Because it took nearly 10,000 snails to produce just one gram of pure dye, the color became a symbol of royalty, luxury, and exclusivity.

Each look in the collection reflects a different stage of this process: the first represents the time-intensive gathering of shells, the second embodies the crushing and extraction of the dye, and the third showcases the rich spectrum of hues achieved through the dyeing process. Designed inclusively for all genders and body types, "Chromatic Harvest" celebrates resilience, craftsmanship, and the enduring beauty of fashion's history, inviting a broader audience to appreciate the artistry and intention behind responsibly made garments.

VIEW COLLECTION ACCESSORIES

MOOD BOARD

LOOK 3- DYEING THE FABRICS

The third and final look is inspired by the culmination of the Tyrian purple dye-making process, celebrating the finished dye and the wide spectrum of hues that can emerge throughout its production. Because the final color is influenced by variables such as pH levels, oxidation, and exposure to sunlight, each batch of Tyrian purple possesses its own unique character. To represent this variation, I hand dip-dyed panels of silk chiffon in a range of purple hues, reflecting the unpredictable yet beautiful nature of the ancient dyeing process.

The look features a structured corset paired with a voluminous skirt lined with alternating silk chiffon panels. The skirt is supported by a custom petticoat and a maroon satin underlayer, providing stability while allowing the lightweight chiffon to move fluidly. The bodice is designed with a sculptural neckline inspired by the movement of ocean waves, referencing the marine origins of the dye. It features a shoulder strap and a corset-style lace-up back for adjustability. The bodice is constructed from two layers of satin (self and lining) with cotton flannel, hair canvas, and organza serving as structural underlayers to provide support while maintaining a smooth exterior finish. Although the look was designed to be worn by a man, it can easily be adapted to fit any gender identity. This decision reflects the diversity of expression found within both fashion and the many shades of Tyrian purple, celebrating individuality through costume and craftsmanship.

Completing the collection is a conceptual sculptural accessory inspired by the form of a seashell. The piece is constructed from a series of panels made with organdy, galvanized steel wire, and plastic boning to create its framework. Batting was added to soften and protect the structure before it was draped in ombré chiffon, which was manipulated into an abstract shell-like silhouette. A combination of pleats, tucks, and flowing fabric creates movement and dimension, while an extended draped section adds a sense of drama. Designed to rest on the model's shoulder, the sculpture echoes the colors of the skirt while serving as a final tribute to the Murex shell that inspired the collection.

CONSTRUCTION PROCESS

SEWING THE BODICE

PETTICOAT

COUTURE INTERNAL CONSTRUCTION

COUTURE TECHNIQUE: TURNING OF CLOTH

FINAL COUTURE BODICE

DRAPING SKIRT PANELS

Created chiffon samples to determine the desired color palette
Selected four shades and dyed two skirt panels in an alternating pattern.
Dampened each panel before dying to achieve a smoother color transition
Used my original dye recipes at set intervals
Gradually left more fabric out of the dye bath during each interval, creating the ombré effect.

‍ ‍DIP-DYEING THE FABRICS

ON THE RUNWAY

LOOK 2 – CRUSHING THE SHELLS

The second look is inspired by the process of crushing the Murex shells. This step is essential for extracting the dye-producing glands within the snail, making it a crucial part of the ancient dye-making process. To honor this stage, I designed a strapless ballgown that reflects both the physical act of crushing the shells and the craftsmanship required to create the dye.

The gown is constructed from liquid organza with cotton interlining and an organza lining. The transparent lining intentionally reveals the internal construction of the garment, highlighting the extensive craftsmanship and labor involved in its creation while reinforcing the themes of slow fashion and artisanal making. To further communicate the concept, crushed stones are arranged in a spiral mosaic pattern that wraps around the silhouette, referencing the fragmented shells and the natural spiral form of the Murex. The stones are individually secured using E6000 adhesive. The back features a custom corset-style lace-up detail that allows for an adjustable fit, while a concealed zipper beneath the lacing provides ease of dressing.

To extend the narrative beyond the garment, I designed a conceptual clutch and a pair of statement earrings. The clutch is a 3D-printed Murex shell intended to be carried as a playful “shell phone,” adding an element of camp while referencing the shell at the center of the dye-making process. The drop earrings feature three cascading sets of ombré seashells in varying sizes, creating movement and visual depth while complementing the color palette and organic forms present throughout the ensemble.

CONSTRUCTION PROCESS

CREATING THE GARMENT

Used E6000 adhesive to secure each stone to the dress.
Selected stones carefully to ensure each piece fit the intended shape and pattern.
Marked the initial design with pins before adjusting the placement as needed.
Treated the process like a puzzle, making each stone feel intentional and contribute to the overall spiral design.

INSIDE VIEW

CUTTING OUT PATTERNS

LINING

DRESS HEM

DRESS MOVEMENT

LACING

PLACING THE STONES

ON THE RUNWAY

LOOK 1- HARVESTING THE MUREX SHELLS

The first look is inspired by the stage of producing Tyrian purple: the harvesting of Murex sea snails. Because the snail's shell was such an integral part of the harvesting process, I designed this look to capture the shell's organic form and spiraling structure.

The look consists of an asymmetrical mini dress featuring dramatic spiral pleating and a sculptural spiral skirt that coils around the body, echoing the natural geometry of the Murex shell. The skirt is constructed from galvanized steel wire, organdy, and plastic boning, creating structural integrity while maintaining the fluid movement of the spiral. The dress itself is crafted from liquid satin with flannel underlining and a poly satin lining, balancing softness with structural elements. The back offers a corset-style lace up to assist the dress in contouring to a wider range of body types.

An essential part of showcasing the narrative of the collection was through the use of accessories. The fingerless gloves, made from liquid satin, feature an elastic loop around the middle finger and strands of Czech glass seashells and pearls, evoking treasures gathered from the sea. The strands are attached using lobster claw clasps which latch onto a lace cord scalping detail, encompassing design with functionality. Completing the look is a circular hairpiece that mimics the shell-inspired pleating featured on the bodice. Constructed from thin wire, organdy, liquid satin, and hair clips, it extends the spiral motif upward, creating a cohesive silhouette that celebrates the beauty of the shell and the beginning of the ancient dye-making process. Lastly, a created a set of drop earring using beads and Czech glass shells to mirror the strands on the gloves. I found them to perfectly compliment the ensemble while not overwhelming it.

CONSTRUCTION PROCESS

CREATING SHELL DRAPE

MODIFIED BODICE

Shortened one side of the back bodice seam and draped a pattern incorporating the spiral skirt
Constructed the skirt with an organdy base, plastic boning, and galvanized steel wire for structure and flexibility (adjustable to wearer’s height)
Attached the skirt structure to the bottom of the bodice
Complex structure of the garment required me to divide the lining into two sections, hand-stitching one section to the bodice and the other to the skirt