Aysheila Zou
Laser Wear
Prompt: In this project, we partner with our clients and aim to design a wearable object using the Laser Lab for each other.
This hat is customized for my Korean client Chae (the person in the picture). The design references the traditional Korean hat (Gat) in its form and is decorated with Korean elements, including their national flag pattern, national flower, and cultural patterns. Every part of this hat, including the pendants, was measured, graphed in Illustrator, cut with a laser cutter, and sewn or chained together. The chain strap is detachable from the hat; my client can choose to wear it as a necklace or a decorative chain with the hat. The material and aesthetics targeted Chae’s preferences, including the use of suede, black, and pearlescent acrylic, which is inspired by the pearl-inlaid technique (Najeonchilgi). Two designs and prototypes were made at first. After interviewing my client again for feedback, I merged the two designs and decided on the outcome. During the test cuts, I experimented with sizes. For example, the sizes of the pendants, the sizes of the holes, and the distance between two holes, so that the material would not break. I also used different stitching methods in leather crafts for better execution.