Week 2

MONDAY

We were given the option to explore either fashion design or fashion promotion. I have always had an interest in the design approach to design compared to the promotional side, which is why I decided to pick design. By picking design the Monday consisted of firstly; folding a piece of brown paper into eight, then cutting out a random shape to then leave at the side of a dummy. We then had to move around three places and attach the pieces of paper to the dummy in whatever composition we see fit depending on the word or instruction given by our tutor, for example on one occasion we were told to only focus on the back of the dummy and it had to be something 'pretty'. Here are some of the results;

As well as trying this with shapes cut out by other people, we were also given time to make as many designs as possible with the shapes with had cut out ourselves. For this part of the task we were not given any words or instructions, we were simply left to create our own visions. 

The next part of the task, was to make 3D shapes out of the paper which we then had to make creations from by attaching them to the dummy. This was to give us the experience of working with 3D shapes and materials. I have to say, it took me awhile to get used to this technique. I had felt far more comfortable working with the 2D pieces of paper. However, I did eventually come to grips with the process and managed to make a number of creations, here are a few of them:

The third and final part to the task, was for us to cut out a strip of paper, as thin as we could make it, in any shape we wanted, the only rule being, the shape could not join together. It had to have two ends. With the stripes of paper we had cut out, we then had to pin a piece to the dummy, then pin the rest down depending on where the paper moved itself to. We were not allowed to manipulate the paper, and take it on a course which was forced, it had to be where the paper would naturally turn to. This was to act as almost a pencil line, in inspiring us to look at the outline of shapes and what we can take from that.

Our homework was to then, use these photos as inspiration and design a total of 30 outfits in our sketch books. That's 10 per task. I was very surprised at how much I enjoyed the 3D session. My strength is definitely more drawing than anything else, so I was much more looking forward to the 2D work, however I enjoyed my whole day and was really inspired to complete the homework.

WEDNESDAY

Since my group had worked on the 3D designs on Monday, Wednesday was our turn at the 2D designs. Our day consisted of firstly picking one of our own images as inspiration to draw out a total of 6 t-shirt designs. It was fair to say our first attempt was nothing short of a complete and utter fail, but we were then informed of the do's and don'ts, which led us all on to great success and improvement as the day progressed. 

We had to look at small but effective details on our own clothing and the clothing worn by other members of the class, in which we would then use as inspiration for sketches. I personally found this the most beneficial part of the whole day. When it comes to designing clothes based on inspiration i worry that sometimes I have always been too literal, or looking to far into it, when this process was carefully explained to me and the rest of the class it seemed so easy and straight forward, almost as if i wondered why this has ever been something I had struggled with before.

For the rest of the day we were shown a number of clothing items, from; jackets, to skirts, trousers, collars and coats, etc. which we then had to come up with 6 of our own designs again. I thought it was great that we were working so fast throughout the day, because our minds did not have time to rest. We were on the go for the whole day, our minds on a constant, it allowed us to produce one design after another. 

FRIDAY

On Friday I attended the London Fashion Week weekend. I was so excited, I have been obsessed with  fashion since I can remember but have never had the opportunity to go to Fashion Week, so to just be there and part of the atmosphere was such an incredible experience in itself. 

The whole point to the day was that we had no tickets, we did not know anyone there, but had to use our charm and social skills to get into any shows all talks we could and network. 

Worrying the day was going to be stressful and  a little pointless considering we had no tickets, I could not see us getting anywhere, but I was very wrong! My friend and I were approached by a member of staff and given tickets to a talk by make-up artist Ismaya Ffrench and photographer Miles Aldridge, which was very insightful and helpful! We also managed to be introduced to the marketing executive and director for Thomas Sabo, as well as buyers for House of Fraser, all of which had very helpful and inspiring tips for a designer starting out. I am very lucky to have had the opportunity to talk to them.

The whole day was an experience I will definitely remember! Considering we were going there with no connections or tickets, I was surprised how much we managed to achieve in such little time. All the conversations and talks were very helpful and beneficial, especially since I am new to this and can do with all the help I can get. However the most important thing I took away from this day, is how important it is to just ask. Just ask to talk to someone, or just ask for tickets to a show, or just ask for tickets for a talk and you will be surprised with the outcome. Many people in the fashion industry look scary and intimidating, but everyone knows you have to start somewhere, especially in fashion! keeping this in mind, they want to help you by giving you any advice or experience they can, they are more than willing to help. And if someone says no, oh well, just move on and ask the next.