REDESIGNING THE SURFACE OF TIE–DYED FABRICS FOR A NEW FASHION TREND IN ABA, ABIA STATE

Abstract

This study is focused on ‘Redesigning the surface of tie-dyed fabrics for a new fashion trend in Aba Abia State’. The study also aimed at using the various known fabric decoration techniques such as tie-dye, batik, patch work, embroidery, and a crystal stone for the production of highly sophisticated fabrics for ladies and males wears into the Nigerian fashion design/textile industry. Again, the research showed how the transformation of tie-dyed fabric surface for the production of females and gents wears could be a viable way to contributing meaningfully to economic life of the people. Finally, the clothes produced from the redesigning of tie-dyed fabrics could be as qualitative and valuable as those produced from textile industrial machines. Data used for this work were gathered from primary sources which include oral interviews and participant observation methods; and secondary sources that include documentary sources such as textbooks, journals, fashion catalogue, internet sources, and previous sources on the areas touched by this study. To achieve the objectives of this study the researcher experimented and explored all the various fabric decoration techniques on the fabric tie-dyed surface in multi-colours resulting to the redesigning of the fabric. As a studio based research, the researcher used desired dimensions and appropriate materials to achieve the following desired themes namely: ‘Colour Conference’, ‘Ochonma’, ‘Pinklady’ and ‘Kirikiri Star’. In the course of this work certain limitations were encountered. These include accessibility of materials, limited availability of funds, and time factor. The limitations not-withstanding, the study nevertheless recorded tremendous success, at least for its ability to demonstrate practical possibility of using the various fabric decoration techniques to redesign tie-dyed fabrics as new fashion trends for females and males.