Mengque Wang’s reproduction of this c. 1960s sun top is arguably one of the most successful within this student group: from a distance, side by side, the two garments are almost indistinguishable.
The primary challenge in patterning this top was the difference in shapes between the decoratively draped outer fabric and the structured lining. The use of foam padding in this style would have presented the additional difficulty in accounting for bulk in the outer pattern.
This garment largely relies on the foam padding used at the bustline for its structure, with the help of two additional spiral steel bones framing the bust: special care and accuracy would have been required in the stitching of this support. The foam padding is zigzag ‘butted’ together (a stitch process that requires skilled handling), and the bone supports are precisely encased within a channel formed by the lining’s seam allowance.
