This is another project I did when I was a student and probably my favourite.

The ‘Swan Spats’ were for a 3m Super-sticky Post-it notes competition. Basically, inspired by spats which by definition is a short gaiter covering the instep and ankle, I extended the functional boundaries of a spat and made the function a decorative one.

Why a swan? The swan is a very sensual, graceful and elegant creature and similarities between the female ankle, curve of the calf and lines of the pointed foot are easily made. The plan was to make a spat in the shape of swan that wraps around the ankle and calf and use 3M Super-sticky notes for the wings. This would also create an effect similar to that when a breeze tussles the downy feathers that cover a swan.

Technically it was a challenge but I have always loved doing things differently and pushing my own knowledge of materials. I first tried to make it out of paper mache but this turned out to be a flop so I resorted to making the spats out of ABS plastic. The coverts and neck were then bent with a heat gun and several layers of paint was sprayed to be a similar colour to the post-it notes. The coverts were then punched together with eyelets which allowed them to still be movable.

The competition rules required that 60% of the surface area of the fashion accessory be covered with 3M super-sticky. To create the fluffy effect I wanted, I found an origami pattern and using a pencil, rolled the folded paper to create lovely little feathers.

I had great fun prancing them around during the making but the photo shoot really shows them off best.  The shoot was a bit unconventional but effective, elegant and wonderful (special thanks to Marisa for modeling).

In the end, I won third prize and sadly, I do not know where they are anymore.