My Generation Shirt Collection

Final Illustrations

Evaluation of Major Project Preparation Research During the first few weeks of this unit I found it very hard to understand a different way of working. Looking back now I have learnt so much more about myself as young designer and my design identity. The exploratory element of this unit has been so positive in everything I have achieved in preparation for my final major project. At first I felt really confused as to what was expected of me and also with using processes that were new to me. I felt at first it was difficult to move out of my comfort zone. Preliminary my research ideas weren’t very strong I didn’t research enough and really find out what interested me about my concept and what would best portray my personal design influence through my work. My exploratory aspect of this unit was print design within menswear. My first print designs were not successful in displaying the 60s and mod influence that I really wanted to become a strong element of design process. At the time I found this very hard to come to terms with, I just thought my work was not good enough and it was emotionally really hard for me. So as my first attempt at print design wasn’t successful I decided to go back to the 60s and research in depth about the aspects I really found interesting and what would push my design development to a professional standard and a unique quality that represents my design philosophy. On reflection this was the turning point for my project and this is something I will continue with into my final major project. I feel I have developed a greater understanding into the research process and how a strong foundation of research can develop a professional concept. Something I also found important was that when I went back to the 60s in my research I was enjoying it so much and I just wanted to learn more and more and have continued at all stages of the project to carry on researching, and constantly looking into the culture of the 60s with the music and films of that era. Design As I earlier stated I did struggle at the beginning with print design and graphically creating a personalised image. Although I found it very hard to start and using digital processes very testing but I felt so strongly about creating a bold graphic print that I persisted and struggled through to achieve the best possible collection of prints that I could. Now I have learnt to use programmes in an advanced way to create a professional tessellated print of high industry standard. So when moving out of my comfort zone at first was upsetting and difficult to understand, I now have a greater knowledge of print design and transferable skills that I can apply to my final major project. I kept to my learning agreement of a hundred designs, and I think my design development has linked well with the details design brief as my design process was very much about details of collars, buttons, buttonholes and print placement. I feel I have demonstrated this within my final pieces. If there was something I could change and improve on within my design process I would focus on my time management, because I had to send away for my digi print pieces the lead time was a estimated a week but in fact took 2 weeks. In reality I sent them off too late, I could have produced more final garments if my time management was more efficient. This is a weakness that I really want to work on and turn into a strength in my final major project. To be able to identify my weaknesses and strengths at this stage I feel is a positive development, everything during this unit was an experiment so areas of my work may not be as successful as others but I have tried to maintain a strong concept throughout and keep continuing to develop my ideas. I feel that digi print has really enhanced my work and been a professional creative tool to help me build a solid foundation for my final major project and some strong portfolio pieces to take through for my future aspirations. Making Contact Making contact was something I didn’t know where to really start from, I was worried who to contact and what to say. After I got my confidence back and started to believe in my ideas a bit more and could see I had a clear vision for what I wanted to create, I got in contact with Nick Bain, an ex BA Fashion student from formally The Arts Institute and specialised in menswear. Nick is currently working for Berwin & Berwin and also designs for the range of brands that Berwin & Berwin own. One of which is Lambretta, a young formal wear brand influenced around the 60s mod era. I think looking back what made my design ideas work was the fact that I didn’t tailor my designs for a company to start off with, they came solely from me, and I kept a target market in mind but never designed for an established brand. After my design development was making progress I then looked into the brands that Nick designs for and applied my designs to that brand. Making contact I feel now is such an important development into a professional project; I have gained advice and feedback at nearly every stage of my project and have found that seeking industry knowledge imperative to my industry understanding. I have also made plans to shadow Nick at Berwin & Berwin in early January and have also made arrangements to stay in contact with him throughout my final major project. Another late part of making contact within this unit was the company I sent my digi print designs away to have been interested in my print. It is early days to say what will happen and whether they will want to use it but this has really made me think about what rights I have over my work and that I should start thinking about copywriting or creating creative licensing on my work for future projects. This is a weakness of mine; it’s getting to the point where I need to learn about a more professional business side of fashion and how to communicate professionally with contacts. I have also kept a lot of work off my blog which I would normally display in as part of my reflective journal; with my blog not having any licence or copy write over it and neither is any of the work I upload on there. I have chosen to be selective on how my work is displayed until I have seeked advice on how to protect my work. Summary Overall I have enjoyed this unit, I hated it at the beginning but on reflection I can see everything I went through was a process and learning new skills and I think everything I have been through will have relevance to my final major project. I think I created a professional collection of printed shirts that are targeted at the right market; I would have however liked to have created a bigger collection with more prints that may be something I carry through into my final major project. I would definitely look into using digi print again but would have a greater experience of lead times and problems that can occur I would have an awareness of this when planning my time. The most important thing is that I have learnt so much more about myself and my design identity and I definitely know my specialism is set on menswear, and I have created portfolio pieces to justify my chosen specialism for my future career. I feel this unit has really prepared me for my final collection, and I have my self confidence back to argue my concepts and ideas.

Print designs

A few print collages I think a graphic element will add a more professional finish, the illustrations look quite naive, I'm just trying to capture the culture of the 60s. Youth culture was the most exciting thing to hit London of that era, I really want to bring that through in my print.

Back to the sixties

Well............... After what can only be described as a horrible week last week, I'm gradually reconnecting to my work. I lost the plot abit last week, my first print samples didn't really translate my view, my identity or what I was trying to achieve. I felt upset at the time that my ideas weren't well received, but I can see now, it's really not such a bad thing. I learnt how to create a professional tessellated print, something I can now add to my skills, but I also learnt that I need to get my confidence back!!! I feel happier about my ideas now, I think they are stronger, visually inspiring and they do translate to a certain extent my views. For me this project is about exploring new things, that's why I'm finding it so hard, I need to learn to have fun with it too!!! I am going to create a conceptual photo shoot capturing my ideas my inspiration and my work, which in theory will lead to a solid body of work for my portfolio. I have my stage review tomorrow, I probably won't be as happy tomorrow, but for today I am. I am loving today, I feel like the person who was upset last week was somebody else, not me I have got my confidence and opinionated self back!! For now I am happy.

November!!!

What a month!!! I feel alot happier and focused than I did this time last month, I don't feel so confused or alien to what I'm doing now. I'm excited about exploring digi print and can't wait to get my samples done. I hope to make a range of printed shirts and a tailored suit jacket with a printed lining. I think what I have planned is quite a challenge but I think it's do-able!!! It took me a good three weeks to figure out what I was doing and my design philosophy and identity. My identity is no where near fully formed and I don't think it will be for a long time, however I feel that it is progressing and become stronger and more distinctive within developing work that I do. I'm finding the investigative study harder to get my head around...................... I have always been far better at design and construction than theory based work. I really don't want to mess it up though, I felt last year I could of done better and was just so uninterested in the given subject that I just gave up in the end and I'm NOT going to do that this year!!! I have picked an interesting subject - to me and it does carry relevance to my chosen specialism (menswear of course!!) I just don't know think I'm procrastinating really, the thought of it is worse than it actually is!!!

Design Philosophy

After thinking about my identity as a designer and putting together my design philosophy I feel much happier about starting major project preparation. It really got me to think about things that are important to me and how I develop my style. At first I felt really uptight and worried about the project, but now I have started to look into my identity things are beginning to fall into place. After just feeling completely confused and unhappy yesterday I started questioning myself and what I'm doing and why I'm doing it, something I found upsetting at the time, but I can look at everything in a different light today. I needed to stop over worrying about everything and think personally about my ideas and talk them through in a tutorial and have somebody listen to them, and it really helped. I think when I woke up this morning I had a different view and positive outlook on what I hope to get out of this unit. I am excited about exploring new techniques and different pathways and the most important thing is making sure even if certain processes don't have successful outcomes, it will all go towards building a foundation of knowledge to support my final collection.

Before and After

Above are the before pictures of the basic garments I started with.

Above this is the roll nect top I created for under the shirt.

Above the finished product.

Deconstruction Workshop

I feel the deconstruction workshop was a good way to start major project preparation. At first I felt a bit like I'd been thrown in to the deep end, but that made me act fast and use my creativity to the max. Rather than working on one idea or concept and pursuing that, this exercise got me to think fast about different ideas and opportunities that I could achieve with the few materials that I had. I decided to get a basic shirt and pair of tailored trousers from a charity shop and also found various old ties. I had half a metre of stretch, textured and printed fabrics to work with. As a designer I felt it important to make the most of the garments that were there and to construct something out of the fabrics I had. I decided to layer strips of lace onto the shirt, concentrating on details and distorting them, the lace gave an appearance of block panels down the front of the shirt and the lace pocket was moved to create a double pocket effect. Out of the stretch fabric I constructed an over sized roll neck sleeveless top to sit under the shirt, to continue with the layering concept. I was really pleased on how the trousers turned out, I cut them up to 3/4 length and tailored in a skinny leg. The shape that was created, I was really pleased with, and I would like to continue this idea further into research for preparation.

Although initially I felt not quite sure what direction to head in, and didn't really feel that enthusiastic about the exercise, by the end of the day I had achieved an outfit that has generated some good ideas that I want to carry through to the next stage of research. Documenting every stage of the processes that I conduct is so beneficial to go back and evaluate and reflect on, by photographing stages of this workshop helped me understand and improve the transitions I was creating. In past projects and workshops this is something I have ended up in wishing I had done more frequently, its not easy to remember, for me anyway! Especially as I want to carry some of the silhouettes through to further study, I have digital reference to look back on.

Start to the year

After not really knowing what to expect from today's events and feeling quite anxious about meeting the new tutors I feel much more relaxed about it all now! First thing this morning the new course leader Anne gave a presentation about what she hopes the students will be achieving this year and a little bit about herself. It was a really good way of knowing what to expect and even though it is quite daunting it was presented in an informal way to make it seam abit more familiar. Which I was very grateful for as I'm not used to the BA system yet, although I'm sure I'll get there. I have noticed some differences within the way FdA and BA Fashion communicate, but I do feel there is support there if I feel I don't understand something but do feel confident that I'll be fine, however it is reassuring to know that help is there if I do need it. Some notes I took in the presentation - - Quote by Martin Raymond, editor of Viewpoint - Designers are; concept creators, visualisers, provocative and visionary, opinion formers, pro-active, intuitive - Some opportunities in the current climate are greater overseas than in the UK, something to consider for future/career - The overseas global market is high - Possible trip to Beijing - Getting big companies involved in collaborations with student work to involve the latest technology - Project surgery; one afternoon a week to discuss any project / ideas / careers / further study, such as MA in 15 minute slots for any student - Identity/individuality is crucial - Fusion of tradition and technology - Awareness of craft and technology is essential - Career after BA - Need to understand and gain more knowledge of business, (eg. Richard Branson) - Need to be entrepreneurial - Help prepare/think about the future - Produce a concept that is not visual, use senses, smell, music - Possible collaboration with a 'communicator' - Make conscientious choices - Designers are decision makers/problem solvers - Trends and demographics - Conceptual, craft, market specific, opinion forming, styling, design and promotion, habitat, contract, group defined - Multitasking - Good websites; lifesigns network/all designers are wankers - Fashion event, end of year show (Bournemouth show) bigger than a catwalk show, its another option to graduate fashion week - Collaborative presentations - Selling collections, retail spaces - How is retail space used? - Decide what your specialism is - Networking is crucial - Proposals to fabric companies to supply fabric for collection - Design isn't always about signature acts, but about collective and interactive gestures So many of these points that were mentioned could open up all sorts of opportunities for me and improving my work, with the proposal to a fabric company. Open minded feelings about menswear, also bringing in menswear specialists and designers that I can learn from. A possible collaboration between myself another student whether it be a model maker (shoes), a communicator (promotion and retail of collection). I do feel like its a really positive start to the new year, whether I feel like that throughout I don't know but a positive start is always good to me.

Back to uni tomorrow - Feels a bit strange, excited but slightly anxious about what to expect. After such a long summer its hard to get into the right state of mind ready for work. I think I'll feel better after tomorrow and the briefing, I'm quite worried about the investigative study. Writing really isn't a strong point of mine in fact its probably one of my weaknesses and I didn't do that well last year, but I'm hoping I can learn from last years mistakes and consider things that last year I didn't. Anyway I'll know soon enough the wait is nearly over - and I'll see what tomorrow brings!

Preliminary Research Ideas

My first thoughts after trying to draft a learning agreement for major project prep, I have certain ideas that I can't seem to get out of my head, I'm excited about them, but they are not set in stone. I will record these musings and refer back at a later date, to see how they have developed, changed or progressed. - Six outfits to complete a menswear collection - Designing for Autumn/Winter 2011 - Comply with a live project/competition/graduate fashion week - Tartans and traditional fabrics - Possibly recycled/vintage fabrics - Concept- phobias/turning something gruesome into something beautiful - Personal feelings/phobia - Introduce knitwear pieces - Tailored pieces- suit jackets, waist coats, trousers, overcoats/trench coats - Exploration of details- pockets, pleats, plackets, collars - Designer influence Fall 2010- Alexander McQueen, Alessandro Dell'Acqua, Burberry Prorsum - Sinister look

Graduate Fashion Week 2010 I really want to enter for Graduate Fashion Week 2010 after researching into various awards and competitions I have decided for menswear opportunities this is something I think will really benefit me and my career. I still don't really know much about GFW entry requirements so when I start back at uni I will look in to it further. I also want to discuss with tutors their thoughts and as well as my feelings. Link to GFW website - http://www.gfw.org.uk/about/protege.aspx

I.D Magazine Competition I'm not sure about this one I couldn't seem to find out whether international students can apply, it appears to be American based I don't really know if that would exclude my entry. It does look like a great competition, I would be in the student category to submit my work. Again really need to search abit more, see what else is available. Link to comp - http://www.id-mag.com/upload/images/PDF/callforentries2010.pdf

After searching high and low for possible competitions for my final project I have found one that seams promising. I am keeping my eyes and ears open to other competitions and opportunities and will talk through with tutors which will be the best suited for my ideas and concept. This competition runs through the UK and is open to students studying BA and MA Fashion. Link to comp - http://www.artsthread.com/viewer/competitions_grants.aspx?e=12 The brief "Memories shape who we are. Each generation has its own thread of narrative, weaving together collective or personal memories with objects that evoke a particular time, person or place.In our virtual era, what human traces will we leave behind?In this digital age, are we in danger of losing our memories? We favour technology over traditional methods of recording memory. In doing so we may be neglecting to archive our heritage for future generations."Memories connect the past with the present. The fabric of memory is ever-changing: our memories alter as they travel, metamorphosing with our changing thoughts, emotions and perceptions.We dress in memories. Garments can connect with our senses, evoking vivid recollections through sight, sound, touch and smell. Through its vocabulary – drape, fold, stitch, cut, tear – clothing signifies the emotional range of our memories." Thoughts on the brief I like the idea of this brief, I don't think its too restricting, maybe its not quite right for what I hope to achieve. It talks about 'draping, folding' which automatically makes me think its better suited to womenswear. I really feel strongly that menswear is what I want to do from now on, when looking back at last years collection, I really think I progressed in exploring menswear. If I were to start back with womenswear I don't think I could achieve my best, I'm just not passionate enough about it, with menswear I feel really challenged, excited and a bit scared. I will continue to think about this competition for a possible brief but see what others have to offer too. I feel I need to come back to this after some thought.

Major Project Preperation

After looking through various designer collections from Fall 2009 I have pulled out a handful of creations that really caught my eye. Alexander McQueen's sinister take on early nineteenth century aristocrats blew me away. Not normally a McQueen lover, I was really shocked by this collection, I really understood what he was doing and I could relate to his concept. It was fantastic, with beautiful tailored pieces with glimmers of a horror movie, stunning and extremely inspiring. I love the way in which he has used beautiful fabrics in the suiting and has explored different textures used an old butchers apron to create a gritty silhouette. Link to McQueen's full menswear 09 show - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwLXExJRvXs Alessandro Dell'Acqua's fall collection encompassed classic materials such as camel, herringbone and Prince of Wales. I thought this collection seemed rich, luxury and fresh. The soft light knitwear introduces a layed back feel, topped up with faultless tailoring and contrasting colours. the colour palette is simple and effective, the use of sequins suggests glamour and wealth. I think it really works though, sequins are something often used in womenswear party season. However crossing boundaries and using splashes of something bold is what can put the spark in to a menswear collection. I want to explore what is acceptable in men's fashion, is there just certain things that don't work? Or can it be accepted in small doses? Or will it ever be accepted? Link to Dell'Acqua's full menswear 09 show - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NX6BrtHqwA Burberry Prorsum menswear stood out to me for the detail around the neck, whether it being a big printed scarf, or perfectly neat shirt collar, and wide lapels on jackets and trench coats. I was interested in this because of the use of colour and pattern. I'm looking into tartans and different traditional tartans, it was intriguing to see how Burberry used their pattern in moderation. Something as bold can disguise the beautiful tailoring behind it, or the simple cashmere knit piece. Link to Burberry Prorsum full menswear 09 show - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAyswA4JwLg

Lucy Parfitt Foundation Degree Beauty Therapy and Health Studies student, London College of Fashion - When going through a practical exercise, make notes or even words on how it went - Scribbled down odd words can help to prompt you when writing - A PDP becomes easier the more you do it - Be quite negative sometimes - Acknowledge that things don’t always go to plan - Reflection teaches you more - You may not learn as well in a particular style, so try different ones - Use individual methods of learning to help you personally - Change ways you learn - Break it down - Write about your feelings - Build upon what you learn

Jennifer Streeting Foundation degree Beauty Therapy and Health studies student, London College of Fashion - Be aware of things in your PDP that are good and bad - Analyse things - Reflective writing helps you to improve - Sometimes it very difficult to analyse yourself - Analyse positive and negative - It’s a relies, at times when stressful and frustrated - Writing it done can be away of emotional support - Accept that things don’t always go right - Keep notes - Be aware of what your doing all the time - Keep notes on lessons that are progressing - It improves your performance - Its about realising the importance of the help to your self - Look back to see how much you have progressed

Jane McIver BA (Hons) fashion Management student, London College of Fashion - Keep a journal of how a project went - Keep track of what you did and didn’t do - Diary of feelings about your work - Write in it regularly at least every week/ two weeks - Its emotionally helpful - Good way at looking at what you have achieved - Good to look back on what you could have done better - It’s a nice way to end a project - Very helpful, personally - Got to be honest, that’s the only way you can get the most out of it - Stepping back and viewing what you have done is important - Give yourself time to write don’t let it slip - Time management is vital

Yvonne Mills Course director, Foundation Degree Beauty Therapy and Health Studies, London College of Fashion - Good reflective writing is honesty - Bring your ideas, faults and feelings to light - Reflective writing is a procedure that we follow - Look back on how you can improve - Think about your trade/ art - Ideally document straight away, that’s when honesty comes through - It brings ideas out - Take away the descriptive element and concentrate on personal writing - It will help you in industry and future career

Sue Thomson Course director, Foundation Degree Fashion design technology, London College of Fashion - A PDP is extremely important part of the course - Enables you to reorganise your learning and reflect - Enables you to seek out answers - Students are problem solvers - You have to engage in being reflective, now and in industry - You have to be keen and work through reflection - A PDP combines sketchbook and theoretical work - When you collect things/ artifacts its for a reason, document that reason - All areas of your course should be reflected in - Get understanding to be able to move forward - Carry around something small to write in - Spontaneously react with your thoughts - Go to tutorials, reflect on them - Evaluate your work with your tutor - Take your own notes in tutorials as well as the tutors

Heather Pickard Director of programmes, BA (Hons) Fashion Management, London College of Fashion - Students should step back from demands of curriculum - Be honest in your PDP - Look at values that will help you in industry and future career - Celebrate all achievements but also highlight bad areas - Reflective writing is involved in the dissertation process - Don’t leave PDP until the last minute - Record all opportunities/ problems/ contacts - Always an ongoing process - Recognise strengths, make it personal - Good starting point- SWOT analysis - Talk about weaknesses/ insecurities - Its got to have thought and context to it

Darren Raven Senior lecturer, Foundation degree in Graphic design, London College of Communication - Courses are fast and furious - Reflection can help capture pieces and experiences of your work - A way of PDP can carry a book around- scan images in - Its your need to communicate with yourself to communicate with others - Don’t rely on memory, all was record it - When you look back you might appreciate something you didn’t before - When reading through, pull out problems and patterns - Look at ways in which you have improved - Take the PDP seriously - It’s an investment in yourself - Brainstorming can help - ‘The Kipling method’ - Question words, use symbols and images - Don’t worry about it, just do it regularly and often - It could be very useful in the future - Document everything - Document something of everything you do

Catherine Smith Senior lecturer, Personal & Professional development, School of Graphic design, London College of Communication - A PDP can transfer reflections into blogs, diaries, writing - Add personal feelings, should be a diary on work rather personal/ social life - Make a separation between work and play - A PDP shouldn’t be in academic writing, in the way the individual writes - Subjective - Its very important, everything has an audience, you must be able to talk about your ideas and feelings - Treat PDP like another person, as a friend, somebody to talk to, share problems - Learn how to articulate work and justify your ideas - Don’t write for somebody else to read, write for yourself - Writing can be a challenge, keep it simple - Different formats; write to yourself, blog, make it visually interesting - Make it feel as though its ‘you on paper’ - If you find it uninteresting or boring try a different format - Experiment

Alison James Head of teaching and learning, London College of Fashion - A PDP is a journal of personal development - It encapsulates change, personal and creatively - It can provide a pivotal moment of change, to look back on - Reflection happens all the time - A PDP should be for personal experiences - A PDP can form a construction of ways of learning - Exploratory examination - Every student is different - Looking at what you have learnt and how it has changed you - It creates a deeper sense of learning - Structure of visualisation, can include sound, music, film - A PDP is there to record experiences - Emotive, personal - Critical reflection can be messy, it doesn’t always form a need order

Reflective Writing videos

After watching all nine videos on reflective writing, I have taken notes on all the interviews. I feel a lot happier and not so anxious after viewing them. I think my perception of what a PDP encompasses was not wrong, but a different approach after listening to other alternatives and ways of creating one. For the past two years the way in which I would lay out my PPRD file was different to what I have tried this year. Looking back now I don’t think I made the most of what a PDP can give back to me, because I used to look at it as a chore and put it off. Something I also picked up from the videos was the way you decide to lay out your PDP, whether it take the form of a book, a blog, or a series or letters. After observing previous visual diaries and progress files, I felt it didn’t work for me as a visual diary by hand or a file just full of writing, it became very uninspiring, I felt uninterested therefore not wanting to look at it or enjoy doing it. So I decided to start a blog, I think the reason I didn’t pursue this before was due to the fact, I’m not a confident computer user. Again though this refers back to my first year of uni, I completed my final illustrations by hand, and I wasn’t happy with how they looked, they didn’t look professional or particularly how I wanted them too. So I decided to learn how to combine initial hand drawings with digital input, and using Photoshop and Illustrator. I started by just experimenting and to my surprise it really wasn’t that hard, I had been worrying that I couldn’t do something rather than just trying. My illustrations came out beautifully I was very pleased at what I had achieved. So back to the blog, I thought right I really want to try this, so I set it up and it’s great, I feel so much more confident working in this way. Now I wish I had done it straight away but then again, I think I needed to go through what I did to make me discover the ways in which I prefer to work and the ways I don’t like working. The videos were really easy to understand, and pointed out some great tips and ideas for a good PDP. By watching them I do feel that I’ve engaged better this year all ready by having my blog to look back on and also if I find I’m struggling at all I can just go back to my notes and view the videos whenever I want or need to. It’s had a very positive effect on me personally as well as helping with reflective writing, by this I mean I’m not worried about starting this academic year, and going back to uni. I know its not going to be easy, and sometimes I really won’t feel as positive as I do now, but for now I’m ready to go back and learn through all experiences good and bad. Link to videos http://www.arts.ac.uk/cetl/visual-directions/podcasts.htm

London Fashion Week

Mark Fast - Size zero Vs Curvy

Mark Fast's use of curvy models has sparked controversy, walk outs, creative differences and general conflict due to his show at London Fashion Week. Rather than using the norm slim models, Fast decided to take a stand and display his latest collection on size 12- 14 models.

I don't necessarily think its a wrong or right thing to do, normally thinner models are used to make the most of a garment, make it look even more beautiful. With long legs and a slim torso, its hard to make anything look bad. I think as a designer, Fast did take a huge risk, with using bigger models, his collection may not have revealed its whole potential, with audiences and critics attention drawn to the models, rather than the collection.

From this article (The Daily Mail, 21/09/09) it explains that this wasn't a rational decision, this was something Fast felt strongly about for a long time leading up to the show. It caused walk outs by Fast's staff, one of which was the stylist and creative designer.

I think Fast did something that he felt passionate about, and what he thought would improve and progress his designs. Surely as a designer passion is key and if you believe in something enough and as long as you can justify your ideas and concepts, you should go for it?

Or Fast did exactly what every designer wants to achieve, getting his collection noticed, a topical subject, with audiences arguing weather its good or bad. Well it certainly hit the head lines and has got people talking. Perhaps its not viewed as prestigious and glamorous as other shows at LFW, but it has drawn a crowd in favour of his actions, that feel something needed to be done about under weight models and it had shown that it does look good on bigger models.

I found this article interesting because I know when I was designing and planning my collection I had an image of 'the end product' including the models that would exhibit my collection and the over all styled look. I searched long and hard to try and get the models that I felt best represented the concept and style of the look my work was portraying. I personally think models are important, I designed and constructed for a certain size so the models had to be that size to do the garments justice.

Maybe I am viewing this as a menswear designer, I feel its perhaps easier to make women look as you want them to, with make up and hair. With men its harder to make them look uniform.

Placement at Selfridges

In June this year I was very lucky to have the opportunity to undergo a work placement at Selfridges.I was placed in Visual Merchandising and worked within womenswear, window displays and home department. I managed to secure the placement through a graduating student from FDA Fashion. Although the placement wasn't menswear design I decided to still go for it and to learn more about VM as a career.

I was lucky to be able to stay with a friend in Balham, so I didn't face a hideous commute every day. It took about 50 minutes commute from Balham, so not too bad, I started work at 8am everyday so the team could get started before the store opened to the public at 9:30am. The most critical time of day was during that hour and a half when the team can really make drastic display changes. Majority of the rest of the day was spent preparing for the next morning, or upcoming events such as sales and new promotions.

I found working in VM very different to what I had imagined, sometimes there was alot of waiting around, waiting for things to be approved. Then as soon as we got the OK it was all hands on deck and get the task done as soon as possible. I think before doing this placement I was quite naive in the way I thought that part of the industry worked, by this I mean its very hands on if you want table painted yellow, you paint it yourself, if you want lighting moved, you get up a ladder and do it yourself!! God only knows why these little things didn't occur to me before but I'm glad that the experience from the placement taught me a thing or two!

On the flip side it wasn't all just waiting around, I got to use my creative skills, which I was very happy about because I think as first I couldn't really grasp how VM was that creative. I got to work along side the head of window and womenswear VM. I helped with the new set of window design ideas, I did some detailed research into the ideas and created prototypes and mini displays to show the concepts. I did really enjoy doing this it also made me feel I could show them what I could do whereas when I was putting up 'sale' signs I couldn't really prove anything other than just getting on with it and making sure everything was done.

On the last two days I was there I got quite involved in the latest promotion for the home section, I was asked to cover lots of props in designer guilds wallpaper and fabrics. I was pleased I was asked to use my creative skills and produce something that would be viewed in the home section by thousands of people. I also worked in personal shopping producing elaborate and luxury food hampers, displaying them for the prestigious customers of personal shopping to purchase.

Overall I feel I really learnt so much about working in fashion through my time at Selfridges I learnt that its not easy, its extremely hard work and you have to be so dedicated, but its not all negative, its also very rewarding seeing your ideas and work in practice, and getting noticed. I had a tiny little corner in one of the windows of the work I had produced when I was there and it felt great to think I did that, and thousands of people will view it.

Like I said before, although this placement wasn't ideal for me and I will pursue some more placements in menswear in the near future, I learnt so much, about VM and retail. Two things that are imperative to the design cycle, they are things that should be considered before and after a collection is produced.

Graduate Fashion Week 09

For the past two years I have gone to Graduate fashion Week and dressed for the Arts Institute shows. Its an amazing event, and the stands are fantastic, and its interesting to see what other students are producing. I feel its important to go to GFW to support the graduating students, dress for the show and get an inside look at all the garments and styling. The collections this year were unbelievable, the concepts and realisation of designs were astounding. When I was there I felt a real buzz being backstage, waiting for the show to start is so exciting! When ever I get a chance to dress for a show or get involved in some way I always take it, I've gained some really good experience from attending GFW for the past two years, I would like to think this will help me this year when I have completed my collection. I feel really strongly this year that I have my sights set high but if I'm dedicated enough there's no reason why I shouldn't be able to achieve them. From my first year of FDA Fashion I attended GFW and was just blown away, I thought this is it this is what I want do, I really am going to push my self this year to hopefully make to GFW. I know the selection process is very tough as there will be an extreme number of designers this year, and a tiny amount of places. However I'm not going to let that put me off, I will keep my head down and go for it. On the other hand I am aware its not the end of the world if I don't get in, there are still great opportunities to come. All in all in was a great day, well worth the early start! AIB did fantastically and I feel very proud to be part of AIB and represent them.

FDA Fashion presents Inspired

A few pics of my collection at the show.

FdA Fashion Graduate Show 2009

The FDA graduate Fashion Show was a fantastic way to end the year. This image is my menswear collection, 'L'Uomo Dandy'. I was so pleased with what I managed to achieve for my final design unit. Looking back through photos now I can see little imperfections and details that I would have liked to have progressed forward but that's just something I can take with me and go forward with in my final year.

For my first time designing and constructing menswear, I really didn't know just what to expect, I knew I would really have to work hard and learn quickly as there is never enough time. However I think the pace that I had to work at helped me improve on getting things done faster, although still taking care and being precise, working faster also helped my personal motivation.

The research and concept behind my collection, consisted of Italian designer inspiration, of clean cut lines, sleek architectural structure of the body. I looked at Armani, Dolce & Gabanna, Prada, Marni. Although using Italian inspiration I wanted to combine a traditional British tailored look too, I researched into Neil Barrett, Savile Row, Ozwald Boateng, Edward Sexton.

This concept and 'Ready to Wear' path did provide me with good results and of course combined with my brief, for department store Beales. Yet I felt quite restricted to what would work for this brief, it had to be Spring /Summer 09 and fit in with Beales current stock package. So I knew I wanted to explore tailoring work with cottons, wools and linens, but really wanted to push my ideas and creativity further to create a stronger concept.

I feel my concept was strong and the final look did portray correctly what I set out achieve. I want to concentrate further this year on a stronger concept, broader ideas and look into menswear thoroughly to create a progressed more professional final collection.

Stepping into the Future!

After a summer of placements, exhibitions and partying I have finally decided to get with times a set my self up with a blog! I'm hoping this new 'digital' journal will help get me through my third year of uni, by uploading and recording ideas and events it will make it easier for me to manage my reflections. Also encourage me to record on daily basis the things that inspire me and push my creativity, including experiences good and bad!