Mindshift

Capsule Collection

Process: User Research, Ideation, Prototyping, Design

Tools: Adobe Suite, Procreate

Award Winning

Showcased in Ahmedabad Fashion Week

Concept

"Mindshift" stands as a unique exploration of the human psyche, going beyond the confines of traditional fashion collections. It transforms into an immersive experience, delving into the intricate realms of mental health. The collection is not just a set of garments; it unfolds as a visual odyssey, aiming to provoke thought, challenge perceptions, and foster empathy.

In this transformative journey, the first garment becomes a canvas, depicting the intricate dance of neurones. PET scan imagery is used as an aid to illustrate the stark contrast between a normal brain and one affected by mental illness. This symbolizes the complexity of the mind and the profound impact of mental health on neural connections. The second garment captures the essence of entrapment, symbolizing the feeling of being confined within one's own mind during moments of mental distress. The fabric, texture, and silhouette evoke a sense of constraint, highlighting the struggle against invisible shackles.

The third garment delves into the struggles of schizophrenia, manifesting hallucinations through intricate patterns and optical illusions. It offers a glimpse into the distorted reality perceived by individuals experiencing such mental health challenges. The fourth and fifth garments embodies the dual nature of bipolar disorder. Capturing the vibrancy of manic episodes, while also reflecting the subdued tones of depression.

The ensemble including the face painting and expressions will echo the unpredictable shifts in mood. The final garment narrates the aftermath of mental illnesses, symbolizing the consequences, portraying the collateral damage, and showeasing coping mechanisms, including substance addiction, self-harm, and the drastic measures sometimes employed in the pursuit of relief. It also shows the importance of treatments like psychotherapy, anti-psychotic drugs and sometimes even electroshock therapy.

Accompanying this unique collection is a powerful photoshoot that chronicles the mental journey portrayed through the garments, the delicate dance, the expressions and the face painting and dramatic makeup. The shoot encapsulates the emotional turbulence, societal perceptions, and internal struggles faced by those navigating the intricate landscape of mental health. "MindShift" is not just a collection; it's a conversation starter, a plea for understanding, and a beacon of hope. Through fashion, film, and experience, it aims to spark dialogue, dismantle stigma, and promote compassion towards those grappling with mental health challenges.

In this transformative journey, the first garment becomes a canvas, depicting the intricate dance of neurons. PET scan imagery is used as an aid to illustrate the stark contrast between a normal brain and one affected by mental illness. This symbolizes the complexity of the mind and the profound impact of mental health on neural connections. The second garment captures the essence of entrapment, symbolizing the feeling of being confined within one's own mind during moments of mental distress. The fabric, texture, and silhouette evoke a sense of constraint, highlighting the struggle against invisible shackles.

The ensemble including the face painting and expressions will echo the unpredictable shifts in mood. The final garment narrates the aftermath of mental illnesses, symbolizing the consequences, portraying the collateral damage, and showeasing coping mechanisms, including substance addiction, self-harm, and the drastic measures sometimes employed in the pursuit of relief. It also shows the importance of treatments like psy-chotherapy, anti-psychotic drugs and sometimes even electroshock therapy.

Design Direction

Mindmap

Visual Boards

Inspiration

The inspiration behind the fashion collection is deeply rooted in mental health, a topic that has been segmented into six distinct areas. The first segment, centered around diagnosis, portrays the initial revelation of a mental illness to the character, capturing the array of emotions they experience during this pivotal moment. Moving on, the second character is depicted as being trapped within their own mind, highlighting the internal struggle and emphasizing the individual's journey to free themselves mentally rather than physically. The third garment delves into the side effects of schizophrenia, specifically focusing on hallucinations and the character's internal battle to differentiate reality from their mind's creations. Transitioning to the fourth and fifth garments, the narrative shifts to bipolar disorder, with one piece illustrating the manic phase characterized by heightened energy and eccentricity, while the other portrays the depressive phase marked by introspection and melancholy. Finally, the last garment symbolizes healing, showcasing the characters' resilience and growth stemming from their mental health challenges. It emphasizes their journey towards strength, acceptance, and self-love, portraying a narrative of embracing their scars as symbols of growth and empowerment rather than concealing them. This collection not only serves as a creative expression but also as a powerful storytelling platform that sheds light on the complexities and triumphs associated with mental health struggles.

Observation

The observation board for mental health consists of powerful visuals that evoke associations with mental illness. The curated images depict a range of expressions, each conveying a unique narrative related to mental health. These visuals capture themes of discomfort, pain, sorrow, and the struggle to conceal emotions. The images vividly portray individuals who seem to be screaming silently, conveying a sense of being trapped within their illness. The intensity of the visuals allows viewers to almost hear the silent cries of those depicted, highlighting the internal turmoil and emotional distress experienced by individuals grappling with mental health challenges.

Mood

For this particular collection, I curated three distinct moods to encapsulate the rollercoaster of emotions inherent in the mental health journey. The first mood centers around hallucination, drawing from the experience of schizophrenia. It aims to depict the struggle of distinguishing reality from the fragments created within one's mind, capturing the disorienting nature of hallucinations. The second mood, powerlessness, conveys the sense of defeat and the overwhelming feeling of being conquered by one's illness. It portrays the recurring cycle of setbacks and the daunting challenge of rising again to confront the illness. The third mood, screaming internally, delves into the intense emotional turmoil experienced silently due to the stigma surrounding mental health. It symbolizes the internal struggle to break free from the grip of mental illness, reflecting the desire to escape the suffering and start anew. These moods collectively weave a narrative that explores the complexities, challenges, and resilience inherent in the mental health journey, offering a poignant and multifaceted portrayal of the human experience with mental illness.

Hallucination

Powerlessness

Screaming Internally

Colour

My approach to the colour board for the collection showcases a deliberate departure from the conventional association of mental health with blacks, greys, and monochromatic palettes. Instead, a diverse range of colours across the spectrum was chosen to convey a nuanced narrative. Each colour was selected with intention, carrying both negative and positive connotations that align with the collection's themes. For in-stance, the mood of hallucination called for trippy and psychedelic colours to capture its essence effectively. In contrast, the healing theme was represented by calming blue tones symbolizing peace and serenity. Every colour was carefully chosen to mirror the characters' emotional fluctuations, emphasizing the highs and lows of their moods while harmonizing with the overall narrative of the collection.