Gabrielle Hubert

The Woolgatherer

Since my mother taught me to sew when I was twelve, I have been cosplaying characters from various fantasy and science-fiction stories. For my thesis collection, The Woolgatherer, I wanted to explore this passion as well as my personal understanding of daydreams and imagination. Hence, this Spring-Summer 2023 collection features garments that help women express their passion for cosplay and fantasy through the combination of costume-inspired styles with contemporary cuts. For geeks, cosplaying enables self-expression and confidence, but is not always practical for everyday life. Furthermore, they might not have the time and resources to modify or create clothes that reflect their passions and interests. As a result, I wanted my collection to be modern and functional while retaining a sense of magic and wonder.

This inspiration board illustrates my interpretation of dreams and fantasy, or of woolgathering which means an indulgence in idle daydreaming. The inspiration images represent things that could initiate daydreams such as old castles or whimsical nature.

Ideation sketches created during the development phase of the collection.

The Éléonore look features a cotton blouse with bishop sleeves and wide cuffs, and a linen dress with a handkerchief hem, princess seams, and hand-sewn embroidery at center front. Modelled by Alana Naraine.

The Isabeau look includes a wool knit cape that can be worn in different ways, and a cotton jumpsuit with princess seams, welt pockets, and a pleated waistband that ties in the back. Modelled by Alana Naraine.

The Hortense look consists of a wool knit asymmetrical hooded dress, and of a linen vest with a contrasting raw silk belt, silk pipping, and hand-sewn smocking on the shoulders. Modelled by Alana Naraine.

Process work, test samples, and final details for the hand-sewn embroidery and smocking, inspired by embellishments found on fantasy costumes and cosplays. Modelled by Alana Naraine.

Closing Statement

As I am writing this, I am looking through the projects I created in the past four years and realized how much work and hard effort I have put into my studies. With each new semester, I tried to push myself and incorporate new creative and technical challenges in my sewing projects. I think this has taught me to explore innovative ideas and learn new things. I also believe that completing half of my degree remotely has taught me to trust myself and has shaped me to become an independent and resourceful designer. Going forward, I think my growth in this program will help me feel confident to always seek new challenges and opportunities, no matter where I go or what I do.