Microscopic Florals

The project of Microscopic Florals began with the discussion of what we consider to be a luxury. After sessions of mind mapping and research, the idea of knowledge as a form of luxury arose. The access to endless sources of information available to us is often overlooked as it is something that is taken for granted, whilst others see luxury in the form of materialistic goods or invaluable possessions, knowledge seemed to be the most unique theme to explore further. 
The term ‘Microscopic Florals’ came to be after a scientific route was taken due to the academic expertise of the designer. Her personal knowledge of Biology gave her the perfect vantage point in merging science with the concept of florals which was the over-arching theme of the university programme for second years. Instead of looking at florals from an eye-level perspective, the designer chose to explore the internal structure of a plant and how embroidery techniques could be incorporated into the theme.
Through the use of chemistry notes and secondary images of microscopic florals, samples were produced which were inspired by the structure of plant cells and various organelles of the cells which make up a flower. Techniques such as laser-cutting and sublimation dye printing were used in order to bring together the scientific elements with a variety of embroidery techniques. The colour palette was limited to white and beige to bring more focus to the details of the embroidery. The monotone concept also reflects the sterile and controlled conditions of a laboratory facility used for scientific investigations.