Tuesday, 15 March 2011
Second Toile Review!
Not too many changes, mostly just to sizes of pockets and I've been asked to incorporate the jacket style into a couple of other garments to keep the flow, but otherwise I think I did alright :]
I do however need to make each garment about 2cm bigger, because although everything is supposed to be a really tight fit, it was a struggle to zip up my models, which would be a problem for the show. Easily fixed, nothing to worry about!
I've been thinking about the styling for the crit. I have already purchased a brooch which I am going to use for decoration, I'm looking for another for the jacket though. I'm going to put ankle socks with ribbons on two of the models, and I've bought some plaited trimming which I'd like to create necklaces and bracelets from to use througout the collection. I will also be recreating vintage pattern envelopes to put my patterns in and making the design board in a similar way.
Monday, 7 March 2011
Fashion issues...
Galliano, who took the creative reins of Dior in 1996, has been based in Paris for 20 years. Dior's quick action in suspending Galliano could be explained by a recent outcry over another racist remark under its parent company, LVMH.
This situation was magnified much more than it probably should have been. Galliano was wrong in what he said and Dior were fair to suspend him, but the pressure which was laid upon him, especially with the run-up to Fashion Week was likely the reason for his outburst. The media is the main culprit for blowing this situation out of proportion, which is unfortunately something that you have to be careful of in the fashion world. I think this is a lesson to everyone, to be careful of how you act, no matter where you are or what the situation is.
The cotton crisis comes at a bad time for retailers, who are already battling against a range of factors, such as higher freight costs, wage inflation in China and the VAT rise to 20% in January. Higher cotton prices have a huge bearing on the cost of clothing, with fabric accounting for around 60% to 70% of product price.
A high-end high-street retail store said high cotton costs are likely to impact those at the value end of the market most and they hope to be able to absorb much of the price rises.
Being a designer, this is quite an important issue to me as it will affect my desicions whilst designing and purchasing fabrics. I would have to source the best fabric for the purpose I need, ensuring I do not waste too much time in order to keep it cost effective.
Saturday, 5 March 2011
Five Year Plan
I will have completed the foundation part of my course and start the third year, where I will complete a three month industry-based work placement as part of the course requirements. Over the summer I will work for a high-street store to gain experience and put some money into savings.
Year Two:
I will have completed my Ba Fashion Design and Technology degree and I hope to have a 2:1 or higher. Begin to find a job suited to my interest in fashion design. Pass my driving test. I will also be looking at places to move into with my boyfriend. Go to America for some travelling.
Year Three:
Have started a job within a design studio, either designing, constructing or pattern cutting. Continue with my own designing and look at creating another mini-collection. Will get engaged to my boyfriend and start saving for the wedding.
Year Four:
Start looking at any higher positions within the company I'm working for, and if there is little room for growth then I'll look at other possible jobs where I may expand on my learning and experience. Plan wedding.
Year Five:
Get married, go on honeymoon, consider children. Look back at position in current job and access whether I need to try for a higher position or change jobs. Decide whether I'm enjoying the career path and if I want to try something different. Perhaps look at how I could start my own business in fashion design.
PRAGUE!
It exceded my expectations and I would definately go back, I had an amazing time.
I learnt lots of historical stuff, went on a tour, visited exhibitions, trawled through vintage shops and mingled with the rest of the course. I spent all the money I had and came back with some great souvenirs. I bought some buttons, beads and a brooch, all which I want to use within my collection.
The tower at the start of the Charles Bridge, joining Old Town to Lesser Town
The cathederal inside Prague Castle
The exhibitions I visted are: Geisha and Samurai, Native American, Sex Machines, Communist and Chocolate. All were very different from one another but I learnt a lot. My favorite was the Geisha and Samurai where I saw a collection of gowns, shoes, fans, swords and coins. I found it really interesting and the prints were beautiful.
Thursday, 24 February 2011
London Fashion Week
I enjoyed the Central St Martins one, because it was nice to see graduate collections being presented. Some of the collections were really well put together, I particularly liked the human fist and the fringing collections.
Unique (Topshop) was one of my favorites because the style and pricing is more aimed at me, the dalmation shoes were beautiful! I think they way they styled the collection was really sweet, from the ear-like buns to the painted noses and nails.
Ashish was the collection which caught my eye the most. I don't think there was anything particular that I would consider in my own style, but I loved how the garments looked completely different to any of the other live collections. I also really enjoyed the background music, I think they chose really good tracks for the garment style.
Monday, 21 February 2011
Fashion Careers
ONE: 'Design consultancy based in East London seeks interns to work on high-end collection of one-off "upcycled" luxury vintage pieces for an exciting new project. The application is open to both students and graduates.
Required:
Good organisational skills
Eye for colour and initiative in suggesting embellishment ideas
Hand-sewing abilities
Experience cutting and working with delicate womenswear fabrics.
Any craft-related embellishment skills such as embroidery etc would be a bonus. Successful candidates will benefit from experience in a hard working, creative studio with lots to learn via a very fun project, interesting people to meet and the opportunity of handling beautiful lush archive vintage fabrics, garments and trims.'
Another designer working with vintage fabric who has really interested me. This placement would have been ideal because I'd use my current skills as well as learning some with the photoshoot and filming.
You must have a flexible approach, have great attention to detail and be able to work to deadlines and under pressure.
You should also be motivated, confident, easy-going, cheerful, hard-working, punctual, responsible, reliable and committed.
Friday, 18 February 2011
CV
I have created two CV's, one which is in a standard format, the other uses a creative layout. Both include the same information, but the standard one I can change easily to suit any job I am applying for, whereas the other one is specifically suited for fashion.
Here is the template of my creative CV:
Thursday, 17 February 2011
First toile review!
Have a few changes to make to lengths, bust shapes etc, but the overal fit was good. A few things that I need to test, for example coated cotton and netted underskirt. Am going to scan in my vintage fabrics and play with colour combinations on Kaledo.
Need to revisit fabric stores for a stretch denim for my super-tight trousers!
The review went pretty well. All my hard work definately paid off!
Monday, 7 February 2011
Second Toile
Sunday, 6 February 2011
Vintage photography
The grainy texture and lomo effect creates a really lovely retro feel, which is something I am aiming to acheive with my photoshoot for my final collection.
http://www.eightyonedesign.co.uk/13-beautiful-examples-of-vintage-1970s-photography/
Saturday, 5 February 2011
Vintage Coat Pattern
Saturday, 29 January 2011
Catwalk shoes?
Inspiration from my friend.
Thursday, 27 January 2011
First toile
Wednesday, 19 January 2011
Mummifying...
Here is the method, with photos that I took along the way:
I thought this was a great way to create a really tight fitting corset, but it was so time-consuming. I intend to make a mock-up of the corset to see if my pattern actually fits properly.
Tuesday, 18 January 2011
Specialist Practice Realisation
The improvements I should make are already things I knew to do, but I didn't leave enough time. I'm going to make a point to give myself enough time for the PP in order to get a higher mark.
I have decided to compile the research for the PP into a manual as well. I had the chance to explain my idea to my tutor today and she's really excited about it, so I've been given a bit of a confidence boost.
Thursday, 13 January 2011
Fashion as a Forum
So far, I feel completely lost. I understand what the topic is about, but I'm not clear on the content of the essay we have to write. Tutorials next week, Sarah said she'll explain it better to me then.
Wednesday, 12 January 2011
Mens shirt & ethical lecture.
Also had a lecture by a company called Offset Warehouse. The lecture seemed a bit long with too much information crammed in but I thought the actual content was really good. I felt like I learnt a lot about ethical fabrics and sourcing. There were some fabrics passed around the theatre that I felt, some were surprisingly nice, for instance nettle. I now feel more inclined to look into ethical fabrics for the future.
Thursday, 6 January 2011
Last of the workshops
Began with a couple of pockets, I thought it was really handy to learn the jean-style pocket. It was much easier than I thought it'd be.
I've already made two bodices before, but I thought it'd be good to practice. We learnt the couture version which I've never tried and I really liked the method. I know I will use it in my collection.