Week 11 - Personality into Fashion - Week 1

TUESDAY

Getting straight into the next project, 'Personality into Fashion', was all about creating a line of clothing that summed up our personalities. How did we achieve this? Well firstly, everyone was encouraged to bring between 5 and 8 objects that meant something to us in one way, or another. 

The first object I brought in, was a set of Rosary beads given to me as a gift from Pope Benedict XVI. The second object I found meant something to me, was the storybook; 'The Wizard of Oz'. Thirdly, I selected an old photo of my grandparents wedding, followed by a souvenir book from the V&A, then finally a Russian doll.

The first day was spent trying to find a way to link the 5 objects together, one way this was advised was through creating a short story which included all of the objects. I have to say, despite first thinking this was a waste of time, I found it to be a massive help! But I also included mind-maps for each object. Just because, I find mind-maps give me more of a clear sense as to what is going on in my head. It's so much easy seeing all your thoughts written down. 

WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY

Wednesday and Thursday was about getting into roughs. I now knew how the objects were going to link, and that was through old fashioned and classic dolls. Knowing that, I gathered as much research over Wednesday and Thursday as I could to start on my rough designs and then move onto completing my final lineup.
So far the biggest struggle I have had to face, is finding a way to link all the objects together. Considering this project consist of objects that all mean something to me, I was surprised at this. I definitely feel it has held be up from progressing in this project. Even I didn't have to be told that I was clearly behind on my work, I should have been further into the rough designs by now, but I am not.
At least now I know where I am taking this project, and can use next week to catch up.

Week 10 - Details - Week 2

TUESDAY

Today was all about making sure we had completed the last set of task that had been set, as well as moving onto the next stage in the project.

The task that were set out last week really helped in moving my project further along, as well as helping me develop my own ideas in terms of where I could take this. 

To develop my design work, I used Monday to work on the stand. This included picking 3 different details from the images I had selected, drawing them out, photocopying 8 of each and cutting them out. Once cut out, I manipulated them around the stand to create numerous different shapes, that could be interrupted into outfits.

WEDNESDAY

Having spent Monday working on the stands, I used Wednesday to design from this. 

I always find working on the stands really useful. I end up creating outfits and items of clothing I would never have thought of. Not to mention, creating work on the stands gives you a look at what your work can look like as a finished outfit - all the endless possibilities.

My project is due to be finished on Thursday, so I will design my final 6 designs using  inspiration from the work I completed on the stands.

THURSDAY

Today was the final day to complete this project. I have spent 2 weeks; researching, developing and finalising my work. I did complete the project with 6 final designs.

Although I have to say this project has been a massive wake call. This is the first time we have only had 2 weeks to complete a project, and despite feeling confident with what I wanted and needed to include, I cannot lie, I underestimated just how quick 2 weeks go and how much faster I need to work to make sure I finish as much work as possible.

Week 9 - Details - Week 1

MONDAY

Having finished our first project, our tutor emailed us with the new topic - 'Details'. Considering our classes now run from Tuesday to Thursday, I thought it would be wise to start my research now. This involved reading the brief behind the topic, and collecting any images I thought would be of use to me.

TUESDAY

Day one of our new topic, started with our tutors explaining the new topic and what was expected of us, one of those being to be more independent. This project is only 2 weeks long, meaning we have to act fast and work hard to produce as much work as we can in this period of time.

We were given the day to gather our own research and information. I spent the morning in the library, looking for any images that inspired or interest me, and found I was most drawn to the 19th century. Having now decided my main focus for the project, I collect all the images I needed to create my concept board, as well as looking up context surrounding the 19th century. Just because I feel if you're going to base a project around a partially era, it's important to have an understanding of what was going on during that time. 

WEDNESDAY

To help with our research, we used Wednesday to visit some galleries. We were given a list of galleries and shops which should offer some inspiration, and left to visit the ones that we felt would benefit us most. 

I started my day visiting the V&A. The museum contains a range of clothing from a number of different eras, one being the 19th century. After sketching a taking some photos of the clothing on show, I decided to look at some paintings from the 19th century - more importantly the portraits. This was because I thought it would be a good idea to look at how people wore their clothes then and how they presented themselves. 

Having gathered research from the 19th century, I then went to Selfridges to see if any designers had taken a modern take on the 19th century. I felt this could be used to inspire me when I have to design my outfits. 

THURSDAY

To help move our project along, we were given 2 task on Thursday. We have until next week to complete them, but obviously it would be smart to get as much done as possible. 

Task 1 - consisted of us selecting an image, drawing each of the details individually, repeating this a total of 5 times. Then from this producing a series of fifty designs using these details. 

Task 2 - was selecting detailing from our images, cutting out and reconfiguring to create new designs and shapes. We had to use faces and limbs from magazines to create an illustration or design on the figure. We had to create a minimum of 6.
Starting this on Thursday, I had made good progress on task 1, but had not completed it. I will be using the weekend to complete task 1 and make a start on task 2, I also need to gather some fabric samples. 

Week 8

MONDAY
This is our last week to work on our projects, until our assessment next week. So during Monday's session, we were given the final run-through, of everything we needed, including; our blogs completed, sketchbooks completed, and a final design.
We were also given a talk on 'pathways', since as soon as our assessment is over we will have to pick a pathway, this being either fashion design, or promotion. This is a no brainer for me, I have already decided to pick the design path over promotion. I am definitely more of a design student.
Knowing time is running out, I continued to work on my sketchbook. The talk in the morning was a massive help, and allowed me to single out what I needed in my book, as well as what I have completed enough of, so I spent the day working in my book.

TUESDAY
My final piece is due in on Friday, so it was urgent that I purchase any fabric or pieces I needed. In the end I purchased 3 different fabrics, as well as 3 different ribbons - this was way more than I needed, but you can never be too prepared.
I started as soon as I got home, looking through my sketchbook, selecting the best design I could find. Considering, this is the first time our tutors will

see our skills at actually making something, I cannot lie, I am a little worried, just because I'm a perfectionist and want everything to run smoothly. 

Knowing we only had a week to make this piece, I picked something I knew I could definitely make in that time frame. I picked to make a vest I had drawn in my book, using black as the base, and picking an orange/blue coloured fabric to show the pattern of the butterfly - since my project is all about patterns in nature.
 
WEDNESDAY
I was meant to attend Ravensbourne today, but due to some problems with the train, it was impossible for me to get in. It was really annoying that I could not get in, but I had more than enough work in my sketchbook to complete, as well as a vest to make, so spent my day finishing them.
After working on my vest none stop, yesterday, as well as today, I managed to complete it! I'm so happy with the outcome of it. I feel like next time I make something, I could be far more adventurous, but for the first piece, I'm just happy I have something  which is finished and ready to be shown.

THURSDAY 
Now my piece is complete, I can use this time to work on my sketchbook. I spent the whole day, looking through my book and taking note of what needed to be added.
I got a lot done, however not everything is completely finished. So there's a few things I will have to finish tomorrow, but I'm not worried. Up to this point I have had great feedback on my work, so I know there's nothing I have missed out, it will completely be down to if I have done enough, as well as the standard of my work - that's what I am worried about.
I will be taking everything in tomorrow -  with the majority of it done. Just so my tutor can be sure I'm on the right track, since the next time I see any of my tutors after tomorrow, will be during my assessment.

FRIDAY
Today was our last day before assessment! Once again we were given the day to work on our projects. I'm not complaining though. All you can do at this point is keep working and produce more stuff.
So while the morning was spent continuously working, we used the afternoon to show each other our work and get some feedback. This was really helpful, because not only were we getting a variety of opinions and comments on our work, but we were able to look at each others work and see where other people were taking their projects. After that, I think everyone knows what they have to spend their weekend doing, ready for our assessment.

MY PROJECT
When I first started my project, I picked 2 images. The first one being an eye, surrounded by leaves, flowers and birds. The second, being an image of some earphones. After completing a mind map I decided the best way to link the two, would be through, explaining; The earphones are something that is manmade, structured and unnatural. While everything in the second image is natural, there is still a structure and science behind every petal. So to combine the two I will be looking at the structure and design in patterns in nature.
With this in mind, I explored many different types of patterns in nature, including; fur, flowers, scales and insects. But thought, it would be wise to narrow my project down to just one type, deciding this would be insects, more specifically butterflies.
I then completed a number of rough designs, influenced by butterflies, looking into not only the colours used, but the shapes. Once I had enough designs based on butterflies, I decided to look at other insects, such as beetles. However, while I was designing, it became clear I was most inspired and influenced by the butterflies.
Before I picked what to design for my final piece, I looked back at some of the workshops I had done.  This included knitting and the digital print in photoshop, just to see in there was anything I wanted to include from the workshops, into my final piece. Although the techniques I had used in knitting, including; the honeycomb stitch and weaving, could symbolise types of patterns in nature, and the images I used in photoshop could be printed out and used, the work I had done on butterflies was still my favourite.
From the designs I had created, I picked one and got to work. I picked this design, because the panels of colour, were very minimalistic, which I felt added a sense of delicateness that comes with a fragile butterfly wing. I allowed the edges of the pattern to fray, since I felt this gave a more realistic and zoomed in image of the wing, and finally the idea of creating a vest, seemed to me the closest thing I could make to a wing, but allowing it to be a piece of wearable clothing.