Fashioning Wellness: Identity, Activity, and Mindful Design

12th Grade

Project
5 weeks

Fashioning Wellness: Identity, Activity, and Mindful Design

Connor Hall

Purpose

This project aims to empower students to explore the intersection of clothing design, personal identity, and mental health. Through hands-on experience in designing activewear, students will learn how clothing can influence both physical activity and mental well-being. By collaborating with mental health professionals and fashion industry experts, students will gain insights into how clothing choices impact self-expression and psychological health. The project encourages students to create designs that promote mental health awareness, fostering a deeper understanding of how fashion can be a tool for enhancing personal identity and supporting mental well-being. Through reflective journaling and community engagement, students will articulate the significance of their designs, culminating in an exhibition that showcases their work and sparks meaningful conversations about the role of clothing in mental health.

Learning goals

In this project, students will delve into the intersection of clothing design, personal identity, and mental health. They will explore the principles of clothing design, focusing on fabric selection, sewing techniques, and ergonomics to create activewear that supports comfort and physical activity. Additionally, students will investigate the psychological impact of fashion, examining how colors, textures, and styles can influence mood and self-perception. Through collaboration with mental health professionals and fashion designers, students will gain insights into how clothing can enhance mental well-being and self-expression. The project will culminate in the creation of a line of activewear that incorporates elements promoting mental health awareness, fostering a deeper understanding of how design can positively impact both physical and mental health.

Standards

Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.7: Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
NGSS - HS-ETS1-2: Design a solution to a complex real-world problem by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable problems that can be solved through engineering.

Products

In this project, students will design and create a line of activewear that emphasizes comfort, functionality, and mental health awareness. Each student will produce a portfolio that includes sketches, fabric selections, and final clothing pieces, accompanied by written reflections on how their designs promote mental well-being and personal identity. The project will culminate in the Mindful Threads Gallery exhibition, where students will display their clothing designs alongside their reflective journal entries. Additionally, students will develop a digital campaign to showcase their work, aiming to engage a broader audience in discussions about the intersection of clothing, personal identity, and mental health. Through these activities, students will gain hands-on experience in fashion design, deepen their understanding of the psychological impact of clothing, and contribute positively to community mental health awareness initiatives.

Launch

Kick off the project with an interactive workshop titled "Fashion for the Mind and Body." Invite a local fashion designer and a mental health counselor to co-host the session. Begin with an engaging discussion on how clothing can influence both physical activity and mental health. The designer can share insights on creating comfortable, functional activewear, while the counselor can highlight the psychological impacts of clothing choices. Following the discussion, students will participate in a hands-on activity where they sketch initial ideas for clothing that supports both mental and physical well-being. This collaborative session will ignite creativity and set the stage for the project's themes, encouraging students to think critically about the intersection of fashion, identity, and mental health.

Exhibition

To culminate the project, organize the "Mindful Threads Gallery," an exhibition where students' clothing designs are showcased alongside their reflective journal entries. This event should be open to mental health advocates, local artists, and the school community, providing a platform for students to present their work and engage in meaningful discussions about the intersection of clothing, personal identity, and mental well-being. The exhibition can be enhanced with interactive elements, such as live demonstrations of the design process or workshops on the psychological impact of fashion. Additionally, consider incorporating a digital component by creating an online gallery or social media campaign to reach a broader audience, encouraging conversations about the role of clothing in mental health and self-expression.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Introduction and Project Overview - Present the project's purpose, goals, and expected outcomes. Discuss the connection between clothing design, personal identity, and mental health.	Activity 2: Interactive Workshop - 'Fashion for the Mind and Body' with guest speakers: a local fashion designer and a mental health counselor. Engage students in discussions and hands-on activities related to designing activewear that promotes mental well-being.	Activity 3: Initial Research and Brainstorming - Students conduct research on the psychological impact of fashion, focusing on colors, textures, and styles. They will also explore existing activewear designs and their features.	Activity 4: Sketching Session - Students begin sketching initial ideas for their activewear designs, incorporating elements that support physical and mental well-being.	Activity 5: Reflection and Feedback - Students share their initial sketches and ideas with peers for feedback. Reflect on the insights gained from the workshop and research.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: A reflective journal entry summarizing insights from the 'Fashion for the Mind and Body' workshop. 2. Deliverable 2: Initial sketches of activewear designs, accompanied by a brief explanation of how each design element supports mental health and personal identity.
Preparation	1. Teacher Preparation Task 1: Arrange the 'Fashion for the Mind and Body' workshop, including coordinating with guest speakers and preparing discussion points. 2. Teacher Preparation Task 2: Prepare resources and materials for research and brainstorming activities, such as articles, videos, and examples of activewear. 3. Teacher Preparation Task 3: Set up a feedback mechanism, such as peer review forms or online platforms, for students to share and receive feedback on their sketches.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Deep Dive into Fabric Selection - Students will explore various fabrics suitable for activewear, considering their comfort, functionality, and psychological impact. Discussions will include the role of texture and color in influencing mood and self-perception.	Activity 2: Sewing Techniques Workshop - Conduct a hands-on workshop on basic sewing techniques, focusing on skills necessary for creating activewear. This will include stitching methods that enhance comfort and durability.	Activity 3: Ergonomics in Design - Students will learn about the principles of ergonomics in fashion design, understanding how clothing can be tailored for optimal physical activity and mental well-being.	Activity 4: Collaborating with Experts - Arrange a virtual meeting with a fashion industry expert to discuss current trends in activewear and the integration of mental health awareness in design.	Activity 5: Refinement of Initial Sketches - Students will refine their initial sketches based on feedback and insights gained from the week's activities. They will incorporate ergonomic principles and fabric choices into their designs.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: A comprehensive fabric selection report that includes analysis of chosen materials and their expected impact on mental well-being. 2. Deliverable 2: Refined activewear sketches that incorporate fabric choices, ergonomic considerations, and mental health elements.
Preparation	1. Teacher Preparation Task 1: Gather and prepare a variety of fabric samples for students to explore and evaluate. 2. Teacher Preparation Task 2: Arrange a sewing techniques workshop, including securing necessary equipment and materials. 3. Teacher Preparation Task 3: Coordinate a virtual meeting with a fashion industry expert, ensuring technology and communication platforms are set up for a smooth session. 4. Teacher Preparation Task 4: Prepare resources on ergonomics in fashion design, such as articles or videos, to supplement student learning.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Psychological Impact of Fashion - Host a seminar with a mental health professional discussing how different clothing choices impact mental health. Students will learn about the psychological effects of colors, textures, and styles.	Activity 2: Design Concept Development - Students will develop a comprehensive design concept for their activewear, focusing on how it can support mental well-being. They will incorporate insights from the seminar into their design concepts.	Activity 3: Peer Review Session - Organize a session where students present their design concepts to peers for feedback. This will help them refine their ideas and ensure they align with the project’s goals.	Activity 4: Collaboration with Mental Health Advocate - Arrange a Q&A session with a mental health advocate to gain further understanding of how clothing can be a medium for mental health awareness.	Activity 5: Prototype Creation - Begin the initial stages of creating a prototype of the activewear design. Students will start sewing and assembling the basic structure of their designs.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: A detailed design concept document that outlines how the activewear design promotes mental well-being, including insights from the seminar. 2. Deliverable 2: A peer-reviewed feedback report summarizing suggestions and improvements for their design concepts. 3. Deliverable 3: Initial prototype of the activewear, showcasing the basic structure and design elements.
Preparation	1. Teacher Preparation Task 1: Arrange the seminar with a mental health professional, including preparing discussion points and ensuring the availability of necessary technology. 2. Teacher Preparation Task 2: Set up the peer review session, creating guidelines and a format for constructive feedback. 3. Teacher Preparation Task 3: Coordinate the Q&A session with a mental health advocate, managing logistics and preparing students with potential questions. 4. Teacher Preparation Task 4: Prepare materials and equipment needed for the initial prototype creation, ensuring students have access to sewing machines and basic sewing supplies.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Advanced Sewing Techniques - Conduct a workshop on advanced sewing techniques that students can apply to enhance their activewear designs. Focus on specialized stitching and finishing methods for improved durability and aesthetics.	Activity 2: Finalizing Design Concepts - Students will finalize their design concepts, incorporating feedback from previous sessions and ensuring alignment with mental health promotion and personal identity.	Activity 3: Prototype Refinement - Students will refine their prototypes based on feedback and insights gained thus far. Emphasis will be on perfecting the fit and functionality of the activewear.	Activity 4: Branding and Marketing Workshop - Host a session on branding and marketing where students learn how to create a brand identity for their designs. This will include developing a narrative that highlights the connection between their designs and mental well-being.	Activity 5: Preparing for Exhibition - Begin preparations for the Mindful Threads Gallery exhibition. Students will plan how to present their designs and accompanying reflective journal entries, considering layout and presentation techniques.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: A refined prototype of the activewear design, showcasing enhancements in fit, functionality, and aesthetics. 2. Deliverable 2: A branding and marketing plan that includes a brand narrative and strategies for promoting mental health awareness through their designs. 3. Deliverable 3: An exhibition plan that outlines how their work will be presented in the Mindful Threads Gallery.
Preparation	1. Teacher Preparation Task 1: Prepare materials and resources for the advanced sewing techniques workshop, ensuring access to necessary equipment and supplies. 2. Teacher Preparation Task 2: Develop a branding and marketing workshop curriculum, including guest speakers or resources on creating a strong brand narrative. 3. Teacher Preparation Task 3: Coordinate the logistics for the upcoming exhibition, including space planning, materials needed for display, and any necessary technology for presentations.

Week 5	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Final Exhibition Preparation - Students will finalize their displays for the Mindful Threads Gallery. This includes arranging the layout of their designs, setting up their reflective journal entries, and ensuring all elements are cohesive and well-presented.	Activity 2: Rehearsal and Presentation Skills Workshop - Conduct a session where students practice presenting their designs and narratives. Focus on developing effective communication skills and confidence in discussing the connection between their designs, personal identity, and mental health.	Activity 3: Exhibition Setup - Students will work collaboratively to set up the exhibition space. This involves arranging their designs, setting up lighting, and ensuring all technical aspects are functioning smoothly for the event.	Activity 4: Mindful Threads Gallery Exhibition - Host the exhibition event where students present their work to the school community, mental health advocates, and local artists. Encourage students to engage in meaningful conversations with attendees about their designs and the project's themes.	Activity 5: Reflection and Feedback Session - After the exhibition, conduct a session where students reflect on their experiences, the feedback received, and the impact of their designs. Encourage them to document their reflections in their journals.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Final exhibition display, including activewear designs and reflective journal entries. 2. Deliverable 2: A presentation script or notes prepared for the exhibition to articulate the design concepts and their connection to mental health and personal identity. 3. Deliverable 3: A post-exhibition reflective journal entry summarizing the experience, feedback received, and personal growth.
Preparation	1. Teacher Preparation Task 1: Coordinate the logistics for the exhibition event, including arranging the exhibition space and any necessary equipment for presentations. 2. Teacher Preparation Task 2: Develop a presentation skills workshop, focusing on effective communication and public speaking techniques. 3. Teacher Preparation Task 3: Ensure all exhibition materials, such as stands, lighting, and display boards, are available and set up prior to the event. 4. Teacher Preparation Task 4: Prepare a feedback mechanism for attendees to provide constructive feedback on students' work during the exhibition.