Gibside Chapel Shoot

On Thursday I had a photoshoot with my Grace Kelly dress for AD Overall I think it went well, the grand Chapel made for a dramatic setting and beautiful back drop. Here is a photo from http://www.churches-uk-ireland.org/images/tyne/gibside.jpg

I have also included some photographs that I took on the day. The professional photos are coming soon!

Yohji Yamamoto

While I was in London yesterday I visited the Yohji Yamamoto exhibition held at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Yamamoto is a Japanese designer with an avant-garde spirit. The Yamamoto silhouette is a bold one with a subtle, interesting cut.

The exhibition was held in a space with very bright lighting and without glass cases for the clothes which is very unusual for the V&A. There were many dresses with striking attention to detail. The dresses were definitely my favourite from the exhibition due to their simple but striking silhouette. The tweed suits had very dramatic cuts and reflected his avant-garde style.

Surprisingly the construction of the garments aren't what you would expect from a high end designer but nevertheless that can be overlooked when the clothes are that beautiful!

Above is a promotional image for the exhibition. http://www.lovetheatre.com/images/upload/vanda/yohji_poster_1973.jpg

Below is one of my favourite dress' from the exhibition.

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LONDON

Yesterday I went to London for the day to gather information for the shop report I am creating for my Final Major Project. I walked through Mayfair and looked in a few designer boutiques like Marc by Marc Jacobs, Alexander McQueen and Mulberry. I fell in love with this little beaut from Marc by Marc Jacobs. Bright coloured bags are a key trend this season. http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/105710

Alexander McQueen's boutique was such an experience. The designer's philosophy was not only reflected in the clothes but in the store itself. I could imagine walking in to the boutique again without it having any clothes in and still knowing whose store it was. I have seen in this season's collection online, but seeing it in real life is so much more exciting. I was lucky enough to see this beautiful silk cape in store. http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/98685

I also looked on the high end designer floor in Selfridges. I combed through the Alice by Temperley and Alexander Wang collections as well as Vivienne Westwood's collection. This trip to London has made me want my own collection even more!

Muscle, Bone and Sinew

Muscle, Bone and Sinew is the theme for my Final Major Project. I began this project by researching into Leonardo Da Vinci. Da Vinci’s artwork is very inspiring for me, especially his sketches of the human body. His use of line, light and shade creates beautiful form to his work. I plan to draw from some of these sketches below to get a feeling for shapes which I may use as my silhouette in the design process.

Special Occasions

Last month I started a work placement at a made to measure bridal and prom dress boutique. The shop also does alterations. I attend this work placement two days a week from 10-5.
On my first day I started off by shadowing the sewing technicians. I watched as the sewing technician put a facing in a linen top. I learnt to take a smaller seam allowance on a facing to reduce bulk around the seam. I was then asked to hand sew a modesty panel onto a corset. Later in the day I learnt how to pattern cut a peplum for a jacket. I then cut it out in calico. I really enjoyed my first day; there was a lot of variety.

The Grace Kelly Gown

Here are some photographs of my final garment. I am really pleased with it and think it reflects my theme. If I were to do anything differently I might not put the spirals on the thigh. I think they look a bit lost there now.

Temperley London

The Autumn/Winter 2011/12 Temperley show was hosted in the British Museum. The grand setting was reflected in the sexy, sophisticated clothes. I think it is a decadent collection with a strong feeling of the art deco movement. Almost every look is paired with a long pair of leather gloves which gives the collection the edge and danger it needs.