Natalie Hutchins-Emery

My research is based on my and my family’s connections to places we have lived. Growing up my family has

lived in many places making connections with places and their cultures. First, I started with the time my mother

spent growing up in Hong Kong. It is always a place I’ve been interested in after hearing my mother and her sister

talk about their time there. I was also inspired to research Hong Kong by my father who spent a portion of his

20s working and researching the geology of Hong Kong. I first started by looking into the infrastructure of the

city and the contrast between the landscapes inspired by the maps my father kept from his research. This then led

me to an artist called Kelvin Yuen. His photography encapsulated the contrast between the landscape especially

between man and nature. I then went on to research Chinese calligraphy. I have always found the language interesting

and artistic. I started by looking into historical scripture and then art made with calligraphy incorporated

within the art. From there I discovered that most Chinese words are written with 5 symbols and the flag of Hong

Kong has the Bauhinia flower which symbolises this as well as the five regions of China. This further led me to

research into native flowers in the region.

My research has led me to have many design ideas between exploring fabrics and pushing the boundaries

of the body. Taking sheer fabric and overlapping them to resemble petals as well as the flow of the clouds

over the landscape. I want to explore these drapes and create structure then further in them by adding boning

or interfacings in certain areas to give rigidity to what looks like a drape. I also want to explore creating

tailored elements in my looks. Taking inspiration from the building and man-made side of the city

and the lines within the geographical maps. Creating style lines and hemlines that are inspired by these

landscapes and skylines. I am inspired to create looks that are powerful and structured with elements of

drape and fabric manipulation.