The Hathaway: Pattern Design
Spring 2023 | Pattern Design
Named for William Shakespeare's wife, The Hathaway is a pattern inspired by the extravagant ruffs of the Elizabethan era. Inspired by historic damask patterns and their medallion shakes, the final design is both high contrast, evoking the stark look of a white ruff laid against a black outfit, and delicate, with intricate detailing apparent upon closer inspection. The pattern has four unique repeats that can all be tessellated as a full drop to create the same pattern.
Through a thorough examination of historic ruffs in art history, motifs were developed from the pleating patterns most common in the starching of the garment. Thus, tear drops and kites developed into intricate elements reminiscent of lacework. The overall form of the motifs was inspired by a study on the circle and the different ways in which it can be broken down and reconstructed.