This project investigates the fashion object as both the product and the instigator of conversations using methods related to text (highlighting) and textile (unpicking). ‘Highlighting’ is a nod to the process of formulating ideas through quoting or referencing other authors. Placing different highlighted versions of the same text next to each other shows the variations in emphasis or interpretation that each reader gives. The act of unpicking garments along original seam-lines dissects each garment into loose pieces that quote from and refer to, the form and construction of the garments from which they came and yet are open to re-interpretation in function and placement.

Using parts of garments and texts as well as collaborations, and modes of exchange as materials the project encompasses various manifestations (from object to action) that play with the fashion article as a discursive object and dress practices as dialogues. It has been presented part of a publication, in the form of an exhibition, creative submission to conferences and workshops:

• Hoette, Ruby. 2016. Conversation Piece #1. In: Femke de Vries, ed. Dictionary Dressings. Eindhoven: Onomatopee, pp. 309-327. ISBN 978-94-91677-60-1 [Book Section]
• Hoette, Ruby. 2017. 'Conversation Pieces #1, #2 and #3'. In: Fashion Research Network Interdisciplinary Symposium and Exhibition - Friday 8th September 2017. Coventry University - London Campus, United Kingdom 8 September 2017. [Conference or Workshop Item]
• Hoette, Ruby and UNSPECIFIED. 2018. Conversation Piece #1. In: "Omega Workshop: An Experiment in Counter-Fashion", EFA Project Space, NYC, United States, 26 January 2018 – 10 March 2018. [Show/Exhibition]
• de Vries, Femke. 2016. Dictionary Dressings. In: "Dictionary Dressings", Onomatopee Projects, Eindhoven, Netherlands. [Show/Exhibition]

https://research.gold.ac.uk/id/eprint/25313