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.

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoqI8dzF77Vi_YAPeI6N_e3cDYh0_22FWHwZac-4POs7Im_1tinIgwoFOvHmQbYFNpnzW70awJWTarLPXpOU2whlVL7k0NwWSzAtdbFliJUtT01737tV6yMM4XIBOIc8HrhOEJtPsCSdvX/s1600/Yohji+Yamamoto+Exhibition+4+%2528c%2529+V%2526A.jpg

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.

London Fashion Week has begun!

Mulberry Autumn/Winter 2011/12

I always find myself looking at the Mulberry collection first. I love that the fashion house values the English heritage and always looks to it for inspiration. This collection has been inspired by the thoroughly English novel; The Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl.
Compared to past collections, (for example Autumn/Winter 2009/10) this collection isn’t the most exciting one for me. Emma Hill, Creative Director for Mulberry later said at the show,
"It's not necessarily making a statement".

Fair enough!

However the clothes still have a certain quirk and 'it' girl appeal in my opinion.

"She's very English. She's got a dilapidated, stately home. She's got her long party dress on and throws on a duffel coat to pop out for a cigarette."
This is how Emma Hill describes this seasons Mulberry Muse.

Grace Kelly Project; Design Development

These are some of my designs; mixture of prom princess and royal elegance. I have experimented with tria markers to add colour.

Grace Kelly Moodboard

Here is the Mood board I made for the Grace Kelly project. I have included fabric samples, text from the guide for the exhibition, the publicity poster for High Society and a quilling sample.

To improve this board I will add primary research, for example a drawing.

Grace Kelly: Style Icon

Over the Summer I went to the Victoria and Albert Museum to see the Grace Kelly: Style Icon exhibition. It was a stunning collection of dresses designed by designers from Balenciaga to costume designer Helen Rose. The exhibition is split into three parts – Actress, Bride and Princess and goes through these different stages of her life through the medium of clothes and accessories.

My favourite was the one she wore in High Society with Frank Sinatra.

Grace Kelly Sketchbook

Here are two pages from my sketchbook for the Grace Kelly project. For these pages I looked at one of my favourite historical designers, Cristobal Balenciaga. Balenciaga was also one of Kelly's favourite designers.

After looking at the corset part of the dress on the photograph, I was inspired to create a piping sample. I think it turned out well. I also researched into Balenciaga’s signature cut; the Dolman Sleeve. I love this silhouette because it is so simple and has a youthful and modern shape.