Day Two in the Textiles Lab

Another day long stint in the textiles lab I was determined to really explore the potential of the stripe technique. Although day one had had its successes, I felt like what I'd produced wasn't really in line with my colour palette, and didn't look very resolved.

I had a lot more luck today, arriving prepared I had worked out my exact colour palette the night before using the swatches I had dyed in class previously. 

Textiles Research

Today was entirely was spent slaving over the textile lab stove top. Experimenting and dying up samples of the African inspired textiles I am incorporating into my final year collection. I intended to experiment with a few techniques but instead spent the whole day on stripes, which lead to me to question whether i should just use variations of the stripe technique in my collection. It would certainly unify the collection, and there is so much variation within this single technique I feel i would really be able to explore it fully if i concentrated on it alone.

The Process....

Iron the fabric into pleats
Clamp a piece of wood either side, leaving one edge exposed, place in dye bath...
Un-clamp...
Re-clamp, thi time leaving the other edged exposed, and put in dye bath..
Open out, rinse, and iron flat.

A.F Vandevorst Spring 2010

This collection utilises the layering and drape of sheer fabrications in harmonious colours, creating detailed free flowing looks that evoke a sense of sophistication and sharp style. One can recognise the wearability of the garments separately, whilst the use of layering and accessorising creates interesting looks for the catwalk. This approach to styling is the way i would like to present my collection in the final year show.

Image credit- Style.com

Sewing away....

With two looks due in three weeks exactly, I'm working on perfecting my tioles for my final collection. So far so good, only a few minor adjustments, and over all I'm really happy with the way my designs are progressing. Both these looks are going to utilise the African batik textiles I'm currently experimenting with, and I hope as a result create high impact/ high energy designs. 

Haute Couture Under Structure

Haute couture garments have detailed under structures that provide a base for which the outer layers of the garment are attached to and supported by. These are most often hand sewn together, layers of boning, interlining, and lining crafted together to ensure the flawless perfection of fit and design. 

As my final year collection is influenced by haute couture, i want to reflect the intricate nature of inside of the garments, as a design detail on the outside.

I'm thinking of appliqueing layers of fabric on top of each other as panels on the right side of the garments, and using the internal functional hand stitches such as pad stitching, as decorative embroidery on the outside. 

Here are some inspiration paces from my design journal in regards to this idea.

 

Big Bold Gareth

I really admire Gareth Pugh's talent in innovative and bold fashion design. Dark and imposing, my favourite collection Fall 2008,resonates the structure and built up silhouettes of my up coming collection.

I hope my collection reflects such strength and command of the runway, through the power dressing of built up silhouettes and structure. 

image credit- style.com

MK & A as mentors, vote yes!

Encouraged to find a mentor to inspire us when designing i couldn't go past the Olsen twins. Long ago were the days of Full House I personally feel these girls have an AMAZING sense of style. They pull off looks from sleek simplistic sophistication, to over accessorised boho, dark Gothic, casual sheek and glamour. Whatever the outfit there is a sense of effortless style, they really seem to have a keen sense of fashion and how to work the elements in the creation of edgy and unique looks. 

Image Credit- Olsen Twins anonymous