SENSORY WORKHOPS

A REFLECTION ON OUR EVERYDAY DIALOGUE WITH OUR CLOTHING

Over the last year and a half I have run a series of Sensory Workshops, both alone and with my good friend Monika Dolbniak. The aim of the workshops are to prompt attendees to critically examine their own sensory experiences within clothing and encourage a reflective discussion with each other. 

For neurodivergent attendees I have observed that they are already attentive to their sensory preferences and impact on their well-being. Yet, no one has ever asked them to articulate those experiences before. My role is to create a safe space for them to voice their experiences; a space that can be adapted to their sensory needs and communication preferences. I listen and learn from my attendees. 

On the other hand, we have observed that fashion designers, despite always crafting sensations, rarely consider how these sensations affect the wearer's well-being. The tacit knowledge of their own practice of wearing is subconscious. Through a series of active meditation exercises, attendees are guided in bringing the sensations that surround them into their consciousness. The goal is to inspire a more inclusive and empathic approach to fashion design. 

Monika and I have facilitated Sensory Practices Workshops at State of Fashion 2022 and De-fashioning Education.