“R” is in Fashion
Pop-Up Book
For this project, I was tasked with designing a pop-up book inspired by a single letter—in my case, the letter R. I chose to explore the world of fashion design through this lens by spotlighting three influential designers whose names begin with R: Ralph Lauren, Roberto Cavalli, and René Lacoste.
Tools: Paper, Scissors, Glue, Procreate
Role: Graphic Designer, Paper Engineering, and Fashion History
Project Timeframe: 2 weeks, 2024
The book consists of three interactive spreads, each dedicated to one designer. Through pop-up elements, layering, and dimensional storytelling, each spread visually brings to life the story and signature style of the featured designer:
Ralph Lauren: Emphasizing timeless American fashion, inspired by classic New York elegance and sophisticated lifestyle branding.
Roberto Cavalli: Highlighting bold animal prints, high-glamour aesthetics, and the energy of the fashion runway.
René Lacoste: Telling the story of his legacy as a tennis champion and designer, with a focus on the origin of his nickname “The Crocodile” and the creation of the iconic Lacoste polo.
My Process
To bring this pop-up book to life, I began by researching paper mechanics and pop-up techniques through YouTube tutorials and the book Pop-Up Design and Paper Mechanics by Duncan Birmingham. This foundation helped me understand how to create movement and depth through paper engineering.
Next, I explored each designer’s story to identify what made them visually and conceptually unique. I was especially inspired by René Lacoste—not only was he a tennis champion, but his nickname “The Crocodile” and his invention of the polo shirt stood out as strong storytelling elements.
For Lacoste’s spread, the main mechanic features René playing tennis. On either side, additional extensions unfold—one with a moving crocodile, and the other with an opposing tennis player—creating an immersive, animated scene that captures his dual legacy as an athlete and designer.
I had so much fun working on this project because it gave me the freedom to tell a story I really care about—fashion—while getting creative with hands-on design. It was a great mix of storytelling, illustration, and paper mechanics. Each spread combines my research, ideas, and lots of trial and error to create a playful, interactive experience that brings each designer’s world to life.