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.