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# Project Description Reproducing the Past: Archival Garments as Tools for Learning and Making Tongyue Sheng Summary Final work I am an MA Pattern and Garment Technology student from London College of Fashion. My work integrates object-based analysis, technical pattern drafting, and digital-to-physical reconstruction. I am particularly interested in roles that connect technical precision, production practice, and fashion education, and in making garment knowledge more accessible through practical tools and systems. I am an MA Pattern and Garment Technology student from London College of Fashion. My work integra... College London College of Fashion Course MA Pattern and Garment Technology Graduation year 2025 This project explores how historical garments can be translated from museum collections into usable, educational replicas. Through object-based analysis and practice-led making, the project reconstructs an archival dress (1874 Bule Silk Day Dress available at V&A East Storehouse) to examine its construction, finishing, and proportions, while adapting it for contemporary bodies and learning contexts. By combining digital reconstruction, pattern drafting, grading, and physical replica production, the project positions reproduction not as imitation, but as a method for understanding dress history through making. The outcome demonstrates how replicas can function as accessible tools for education, interpretation, and future garment research. Final work BTS This behind-the-scenes image documents the making and presentation process of the master project. The photograph captures the reconstructed historical dress being worn and assessed in a studio setting, highlighting how archival research is translated into physical form. The moment reflects the project’s emphasis on practice-led inquiry, where pattern development, finishing decisions, and silhouette are evaluated through wear and movement rather than static display. 3D Sculpture Version Replica This interactive 3D model is the final digital outcome of the project, generated using photogrammetry rather than garment simulation software. By capturing the physical garment directly, the model achieves a closer correspondence to real-world wearing conditions than CLO3D-based simulations. With applied texture mapping, the surface records material behaviour, folds, and irregularities produced through wear, resulting in a sculptural representation of the garment. The model functions as both a documentation method and an analytical tool, enabling close examination of form, proportion, and material presence beyond physical access. Research and process V&A East Storehouse Virtual Visit, 1874 Blue Silk Day Dress Detail Recording This video records an on-site study visit to the V&A East Storehouse, documenting the observation of the 1874 blue silk day dress that forms the basis of this master project. The footage supports object-based research by providing visual reference to construction, finishing, and material details that cannot be fully captured through photographs alone. By including this documentation, the project presents a more complete research process, allowing viewers with an interest in historical dress or garment construction to engage directly with the original object alongside the reproduced outcomes. Share this project This project explores how historical garments can be translated from museum collections into usable, educational replicas.Through object-based analysis and practice-led making, the project reconstructs an archival dress (1874 Bule Silk Day Dress available at V&A Eas... A link to this page has been added to your clipboard Browse related work Archives & Collections Body Craft & Process Futures Digital Education History HumanCentredDesign MixedMedia PatternCutting Technology
# Links ## Official page - https://ualshowcase.arts.ac.uk/project/692840/cover ## External - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tongyue-sheng-954357293?utm_source=s - https://www.instagram.com/t.suki.zip - mailto:t.j.sheng@outlook.com - https://portfolio-tools.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/04234843/Dissertation_Tongyue-Sheng-24003399_20260205.pdf - https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fualshowcase.arts.ac.uk%2Fproject%2F692840%2Fcover&text=Reproducing+the+Past%3A+Archival+Garments+as+Tools+for+Learning+and+Making - https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fualshowcase.arts.ac.uk%2Fproject%2F692840%2Fcover&media=https%3A%2F%2Fportfolio-tools.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F02%2F04232717%2FA013C002_260202HRT01-1.jpg&description=Reproducing+the+Past%3A+Archival+Garments+as+Tools+for+Learning+and+Making