Maxwell Piccardo
Fashion Design BA
Academy of Art University
Graduates: 2023
Specialisms: Atelier - Pattern Cutting / Womenswear / Formal/Couture
My location: San Francisco, United States
Maxwell Piccardo
First Name: Maxwell
Last Name: Piccardo
University / College: Academy of Art University
Course / Program: Fashion Design BA
Graduates: 2023
Specialisms: Atelier - Pattern Cutting / Womenswear / Formal/Couture
My Location: San Francisco, United States
Website: Click To See Website
About
Enamored by pattern cutting, Maxwell Piccardo is a womenswear designer who focuses on approaching design from a 3D perspective. Graduating from Academy of Art University in 2023, Max developed his passion for pattern making and draping techniques. Influenced by the likes of Cristóbal Balenciaga, Yohji Yamamoto, and Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons; Max believes that to be a designer is fundamentally to be a dressmaker.
This project is inspired by a scene in The Silence of the Lambs in which Hannibal Lecter is completely restrained by a straight jacket, but is still in complete control of a room full of police. The straps and restriction of the upper body from the straight jacket are what spoke to me the most. I contrasted these motifs with flattering silhouettes and garments that allowed for and created movement in the lower body, while limiting the movement of the upper body and arms. This dichotomy was further explored through print – using a muslin fabric washed on high heat, I was able to create a soft, wrinkled fabric which was then printed with a dirty and chaotic textile design. The result is a cohesive, six-look collection that seeks to explore the dynamics of restraint vs. power through the use of restrictive clothing, print, and pattern cutting, while underlining my appreciation for craftsmanship.
Competitions
