YANISA.NIEN

Abstract:

As a multidisciplinary fashion design studio, VINN PATARARIN has primarily based its works on cutting-edge experimentation on textiles and architecture with the core questions of material and space. In its more cohesive moments, fashion and textile design have confirmed that sensory stimulation can support the functioning of human bodies and minds to enhance the lived experience and the quality of life. Moreover, materials’ textures can beneficially restore the sensation of human bodies and the muscles of the arms and hands, especially for stroke patients. Globally, with over 110 million people affected, stroke has reached epidemic proportions. Among adults above 25, 1 in 4 may experience a stroke in their lifetime, which causes illnesses or physical conditions that can affect their daily lives, such as paralysis or balancing problems. The role of fashion design, thus, was examined in developing a procedure of therapeutic dressing for stroke patients’ activities of daily living (ADLs).

In Thailand, stroke is the third-leading cause of death after cancer and heart disease, with approximately 250,000 new cases yearly, while about 30% of patients develop paralysis. Therefore, awareness of stroke should be raised in the social context to reduce risks and promote functional rehabilitation to primarily support daily activities and independence. By experimenting and developing sensory tools, various textures, materials, and methods were designed through observation and discussion with stroke patients and medical professionals. In addition, the pilot project aims to validate the results and expand possibilities for other products, such as apparel and everyday items, and to engage with different target groups of brain disabilities, such as people with autism and dementia.

Objectives of the exhibition

1. An exhibition is an important part of the promotional mix of industrial markets. Exhibition is an important source of information in industrial buying process, and is second only to personal selling, and is way ahead of direct mail and print advertising in terms of providing information to the industrial buyer. The number of exhibitions, exhibitors and visitors is growing.

• Creates awareness and develops relationship with new prospects. There is face-to-face contact with customers and the marketer has an opportunity to apprise the customers of the company’s products. The marketer should qualify his visitors in terms of their interest in the product so that they can be pursued after the exhibition.

• The customer has an opportunity to see the product in operation. He can determine if it will be useful to him. He can also seek clarifications about the product’s features and benefits. Product demonstration is a very effective method of stimulating needs. When a customer sees the benefits of a product, the needs that he might have been suppressing or those that he was not aware of, can become manifest. Many visitors who may have walked in with only casual interest become genuinely interested in the product. Since customers come in direct contact with marketers, it is possible to judge the intensity of customers’ needs.

• Inspiration and creativity – Creativity is work, resourcefulness and the craft itself. Inspiration is the lightbulb, the mental stimulation that instigates a person to move a certain way.

What will public get from the exhibition?

1. Social awareness of stroke – Stroke is a major cause of disability and death. However, there needs to be wider community knowledge of stroke and its severity and symptoms that require prompt treatment as a vital management of stroke risks.

• Although the stroke knowledge and awareness of these populations were high, the maintenance of stroke knowledge and awareness of stroke severity is required. The provision of the first aid programs that incorporate stroke management and awareness is warranted at the community level as well, and nurses can be involved in such education and health promotion.

• Innovation of design – Design Innovation is about generating ideas that are humanly desirable, technologically feasible, and financially viable. It is an idea that applies to all fields and people of all backgrounds. As simple as that might sound, it is the contrary.

• The relationship between textile and rehabilitation – examples of rehabilitation solutions in which textiles play an important role. They are a fully functional garment, an element of clothing adapted to a given part of the body or a product intended for use in improving health. They are designed with the use of modern production technologies that utilise various raw materials to support the health aspects of the user with their structure and properties.

Elements: Fashion objects and pattern

1. New fashion collection – ‘Modern Botanist’ collection. The collection represents the materials and motifs which has been developed. The jacket which was developed in the design process was exhibited.

• In the exhibition show, fabric and textile design are demonstrated (objects in the exhibition show).

• Sensory – the development of sensory rehabilitation was developed from the concept of sensory books. Different textures, patterns, and sizes can stimulate individualised senses.

• Cognitive – the development of cognitive rehabilitation was developed from the concept of cognition and leisure activities. In this case, weaving can be interpreted as a therapeutic process to weave communities together and improve their motor skills.

• Equipment – the palette of fashion elements is experimented with different sizes and techniques with the real human dimension.

• The video demonstrates and explains objectives and design methodology.

Feedbacks from audience (social awareness)

1. Require more information about the design processes. Should have more explanation

• Looking forward for the future research. Looking forward for a product for stroke patients (creativity)

• Opportunities for other target groups and funding organisations