RAINMAKING ｜祈雨
Category: Apparel
Competitions: Taiwan Region
Design Inspiration This design is inspired by the increasingly severe global issues of drought and wildfires. Using ancient rainmaking rituals as its conceptual foundation, it merges tribal rain-invocation culture with contemporary environmental concerns. The outfit draws from ceremonial garments worn by elders and shamans during rainmaking ceremonies, symbolizing a sincere plea to nature for water. Through the language of burned edges, distressed leather, and scorched textures, the design critiques the devastating aftermath of human overexploitation of the land. ⸻ Design Concept This design is not only a visual aesthetic but also a direct response to urgent environmental issues. Leather is used as the primary material to represent the scarcity of natural resources and a stance against fast fashion. Asymmetrical cuts, layered fringes, and dyed burn marks are used to shape a garment that has “survived” disaster—an outfit that remembers destruction and calls for hope. The piece tells the story of a land still waiting for rain, seeking to reconnect viewers with environmental issues and urging renewed attention and action. ⸻ Design Details Inspired by ancient rainmaking garments, the design integrates traditional elements with modern silhouettes. The form and materials evoke a strong connection to nature: • Layered collar pieces symbolize the sun. • Fringes represent falling rain, mimicking its sound and the rhythm of wind when in motion. • Embossed leather mimics cracked earth and wounded landscapes. • Burnt textures and scorched edges represent wildfires and dried terrain. • An irregular-cut hem and hooded design add ritualistic and mystical qualities to the piece.
