Mock Collection: National Geographic x Chrysalis
Men’s & Women’s Fall/Winter 2023
The Ask:
Develop a mock capsule collection in collaboration with a brand of your choice, featuring patterns inspired by a specific location.
My Focus:
The Forest
My professor had just introduced me to “gorp-core”: an aesthetic that mixes streetwear with outdoor recreation gear. The odd moniker comes from the phrase “good old raisins and peanuts”, referring to popular snacks brought along to activities associated with the aesthetic— such as hiking, rock climbing, and camping. With this fresh on my mind, I immediately thought to base my project off of the forest; where jewel-toned beetles with holographic shells crawl among rich green moss and creeping vines— an endless abyss of Nature’s design.
The Skills:
Design
Concept Creation
Merchandising
Image Curation
Adobe Illustrator
The Process .𖥔 ݁ ˖
The Process .𖥔 ݁ ˖
Mood Board Building & Pattern Swatch Development
After deciding on our location of inspiration and brand collaboration, we were tasked with capturing that essence within a mood board. While accumulating images, we identified motifs we could later transform into patterns and developed a cohesive color story to guide the entire project.
Once we had created our visual inspiration within mood boards, we identified images to trace in Adobe Illustrator, developing motifs (visible on the bottom edge of the board). This tracing process was meticulous, particularly capturing the intricate detail in my tree ring motif. From there, we built six patterns and created two color-ways per design.
Designing Apparel & Developing Line Sheets
Inspired by National Geographic's mission to "use the power of science, exploration, and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world," I dedicated each garment in this collection to an insect species considered "in peril." As the foundation of all food chains, insects are far more critical to ecological welfare than their tiny stature implies—yet they're facing unprecedented threats.
I chose eight design flats to trace in Illustrator, aiming for a tech-gear streetwear aesthetic that draws inspiration from the beauty of these creatures. I created three color ways per design, intentionally incorporating my patterns. My mock line would donate 20% of revenue from each purchase to habitat rehabilitation for the corresponding species. When choosing fabric content for the line sheets, I researched and incorporated emerging sustainable materials—such as Woocoa, a vegan wool alternative made from coconut and hemp fibers.
Having a sister who is currently pursuing her Master's in environmental science, I'm acutely aware of the fashion industry's pollutive impact. I sometimes struggle with whether what I'm pursuing matters enough when our planet faces ecological crisis. But as a $1.84 billion market (Uniform Market, 2025), fashion isn't going anywhere—so it falls to individuals who care to transform the industry into something better.
That's why I'm passionate about the intersection of sustainability and fashion, and why projects like this feel so important.
The Outcome:
Even though I created this project during my freshman year, I remain proud of its quality and the strength of its concept. At 18, dedicating over 30 hours in Illustrator showed me that I could commit fully to a vision and deliver work that earned recognition from my professor. It also revealed how my interests could converge into something genuinely unique. This assignment impressed on me a lasting attention to detail, a drive for precision, and a deep appreciation for thoughtful concept development.
