Building Functional Systems:
From Pattern to Form
My background is rooted in tailoring, but the move from Ho Chi Minh City to the Pacific Northwest in 2021 refocused my practice. I became fascinated by Seattle’s immersive outdoor culture and a lifestyle where the rugged landscape demands a highly functional approach to clothing. This environment pushed me to deconstruct the “puzzle" of technical construction and the logic required to engineer performance-driven gear.
Formal training in traditional pattern making and CAD software allowed me to bridge manual craftsmanship with digital precision, documented here through a sprint of research and professional execution.
“PARRALEL” Utility Jacket
SYSTEM of ASSEMBLY
(2022)
A study in high-component assembly. I developed a 64-piece pattern set completely by hand and a 40-step sequence of construction designed for industrial manufacturing. This project utilized a manual workflow moving from block modification to master patterns and final production-ready sets.
Executing this volume of detail by hand required managing complex seam intersections and multi-layered components before transitioning to digital tools.
Modular Briefcase
SYSTEM of space
(2022)
A study in volume management and soft goods assembly. I developed a modular side-wall system to maintain structural integrity while organizing internal space.
This project required transitioning from garment logic to rectangular geometry, engineering a multi-wall system with dedicated compartments for a specialized tool kit, ranging from small hardware and EDC items to larger tech. The objective was to translate user-experience requirements into an efficient 3D outcome through a planned internal framework.
MODULAR ALPINE INTERFACE: 3-IN-1 SYSTEM
LAYERING SYSTEM
(2023)
An exploration of modularity and component management. I calculated the specific ratios between the outer shell and inner liner, accounting for fabric weight, insulation loft, and the tolerances required to minimize inter-layer friction.
The final system comprised 93 pattern pieces across eight fabrics—including shell, lining, insulation, and stabilizer, developed using 2D and 3D CAD.
4/ final line
cuan:O A/W 2023
layering system
3D Simulation and Anatomical Body Contouring
(2023)
The final project of this series. I used 3D simulation to test movement and fit, applying 2D pattern logic to complex anatomical forms.