Unique Fabric Use in 1992

While researching the actual fibers and fabrics popular for textiles in 1992, I came across some very eccentric and unique creations. Information found in the book FASHION A History from 18th to the 20th century Volume II. Many of the popular fabrics in 1992 “explored the essence of the skin appeared on the fashion scene” (page 678)
-Paper Cutout Dress: This paper dress is made from polyester rayon-paper cutouts. It is labeled “COMME des GARCONS NOIR”, from the spring/summer 1992 collection from designer Rei Kawakubo. The unique pattern of the cutout dress was inspired by Japanese tradition in the Kamukara period (1192-1333) as well as the Edo period (1603-1867). Kawakubo created a beautiful and very original recreation of this lace like dress.
Photo from FASHION A History from 18th to the 20th century Volume II (page 655)
-Wood Dress: The most unique design found was created by designer Yohji Yamamoto from the Autumn/Winter collection. This is a set of a wooden vest and a wooden skirt. The materials include wood, black wool pieces, and jointed hinges. All of the materials in the piece are far from the normal materials you see in the industry. The piece is inspired from a costume in the ballet Parade performed by the Ballets Russes during 1917. Originally the costume was designed by Pablo Picasso.
Photo from FASHION A History from 18th to the 20th century Volume II (page 675)
-Rubber Band Dress: On page 681, I found another very eccentric use of fabric designed by Hiroshige Maki for his Autumn/Winter 1993 collection. This is another dress constructed from jointed rubber bands. The rubber creates a stretched look. Maki named his brand Gomme, which means rubber in French.
Photo from FASHION A History from 18th to the 20th century Volume II (page 681)
-Silk organdy Tubes: Maurizio Galante was known for his modern style twisted with a feeling of human strength and warmth. He designed this pale green silk organdy tube dress for his Spring/Summer collection, which resembles tentacles from an aquatic creature. In order to create the dress he actually made tubes out of silk and sewed them onto the dress, creating a compelling three dimensional design.
Photo from FASHION A History from 18th to the 20th century Volume II (page 678)

- Designers of 1992 brought forth a variety of eccentric fabrics and creative ways to produce apparel.
- They experimented with different materials that would never be considered typical fabrics.
- Materials such as rubber bands, organdy tubes, wood, and paper.

*The use of fabrics to create unique pieces of apparel portrays 1992 as a year of experimentation in high fashion. There is definitely a trend of very creative fibers and fabrics that go against the grain of high fashion. The way that fabrics were altered to create eccentric pieces shows a new beginning, which is fresh and not consistently inspired from past designs.