For my Capstone Project I created an interactive wearable technology installation inspired by the lotus flower, a flower that blossoms and blooms in the most adverse environments. My intent was to tell a story about overcoming adversity and the importance and impact of human connection throughout this journey. Everyone has faced adversity in one way of another, and it can be incredibly isolating. My goal was to have people bond over shared experiences and conversations. I wanted to remind people that we're not so different after all and genuine connection in it's most authentic form can help us get through our toughest times. The dress is made up of a combination of fabrics including chiffon, organza, and crepe. Multiple draping and stitching techniques have been used for the many layers to better represent a lotus flower. There are 7 mechanical flowers on the dress that bloom and wilt based on the distance of the person as well as LEDs that light up and get brighter the longer someone is present near the dress. The blooming and wilting of the flowers and the LEDs represents how a person's presence, support, and connection helps people bloom depite the adversity they may be facing.