This design challenge focused on providing comfort to those unsettled and disrupted by the COVID-19 Coronavirus. Designed to retail in Asia, I took inspiration from traditional Japanese patterns called wagara. Commonly found on items such as kimono and furoshiki, each wagara represents something different. The kagome wagara that inspired my sweater, for instance, is derived from a basket weave and is thought to ward off evil. I used these patterns to comfort the wearer and symbolize keeping them safe from danger in these trying times.
