I respectfully acknowledge the Wurundjeri people as the traditional custodians of the unceded lands, waters and skies where my studio is situated, and pay respects to their elders past and present and emerging and the stolen generations.
The New Brief
Dresses account for approximately a quarter of Australian wardrobes (Khan, Shaw & Bandara 2022), making them one of the most commonly owned garment types. Yet despite their prevalence, they are worn less frequently than any other clothing category. This paradox raises important questions about how dresses are designed, purchased, and experienced in everyday life.
The Dress Audit Survey formed the first phase of my PhD research. Conducted as a digital wardrobe study, it invited participants to reflect on both their most-worn and least-worn dresses, exploring factors that encourage or discourage ongoing use. By examining garments at opposite ends of the wearing spectrum, the research uncovered recurring themes relating to fit, occasion and style.
Dresses account for approximately a quarter of Australian wardrobes (Khan, Shaw & Bandara 2022), making them one of the most commonly owned garment types. Yet despite their prevalence, they are worn less frequently than any other clothing category. This paradox raises important questions about how dresses are designed, purchased, and experienced in everyday life.
The Dress Audit Survey formed the first phase of my PhD research. Conducted as a digital wardrobe study, it invited participants to reflect on both their most-worn and least-worn dresses, exploring factors that encourage or discourage ongoing use. By examining garments at opposite ends of the wearing spectrum, the research uncovered recurring themes relating to fit, occasion and style.
These insights informed the development of a new design brief focused on supporting active use rather than simply creating new products. The brief shifts attention from acquisition to wearing, identifying design opportunities that could help dresses remain relevant, adaptable, and frequently worn throughout their lives in the wardrobe.
This research was presented at PLATE 2025 (Product Lifetimes and the Environment), contributing to ongoing discussions about clothing longevity, wardrobe practices, and the role of design in extending garment use.
Read the conference proceedings:
Kuzmycz, A., & McCorkill, G. (2025). Idle and Active Dresses: Design Briefings from the Wardrobe. Proceedings of the 6th Product Lifetimes and the Environment Conference (PLATE2025), (6). https://doi.org/10.54337/plate2025-10427
