Matthew Connelly

My project explores connection and its counterpart, disconnection, considering what it means to be ‘wired in’. Our collective views on current and future technologies and the frontiers they advance have influenced fashion for decades. My work adds to this conversation, discussing the current disconnect caused by an increasingly tech-driven world. ‘On the Grid’ explores this by drawing from futurism aesthetics of the late 90’s and early 00’s, conveying a forgotten technological optimism that has become nostalgic for so many in recent years.

Initial visual research followed the network of wires, pipes and light fixtures in my immediate environment, the Crawford building at DJCAD. This served as key inspiration for the ripple and cable structures seen throughout my samples. Later work analysed internal computer components, as my research focused towards cyber aesthetics, which helped inspire an unconventional colour palette.

The final collection explores how simple knitted structures can be transformed through the piecing and construction of a larger fabric. Form became an important element as the work developed, creating adjustable volume through linking and trimming processes combined with draw-strings and channels. The focus on form has led naturally towards a fashion context and the work is positioned as a collection of samples for a unisex/menswear fashion brand. One realised garment was produced, which aims to encapsulate and showcase the project concept to its fullest.