Fashion VS Sport

Yesterday we went up to London primarily to see the Fashion Vs Sport exhibition at the V&A. The aim for us to realise the connection between Fashion and Sport..

"Sportswear has become an essential part of the modern wardrobe. Trainers and tracksuits are more readily worn than suits, and high performance textiles developed for competition are being integrated into high-end fashion. Fashion Vs Sport examines the way that sports styles are adapted to make fashion statements, both on the street and through high fashion, and how sports and fashion products are consumed, customised and worn."

I quite enjoyed the exhibition for the customisation and adaptations of sportswear into bright and exciting garments, like those featured in the 'Display' and 'Play' sections of the exihbition space. I took notes of some of the articles I liked and did some sketches of interesting shapes within the garments, so I'm able to look back on my research and draw inspiration when I come to my own design ideas.

I'm now really keen to get hold of the brief for this new project as I do like the idea of a sportswear project, because as I've found, the boundaries are so vague that you can do a lot of exciting things based around this topic!

Useful article:

http://www.metro.co.uk/lifestyle/article.html?in_article_id=243612&in_page_id=194

Pattern Cutting & Construction Work

So far this term we have learned various pattern cutting methods, including how to adapt a pattern from the basic block, modelling on the stand, dart manipulation, and lots more. I have really enjoyed the pattern cutting sessions as I like knowing how garments are created, and here we get to understand their constuction a whole lot better by learning about its 2D form aswell as 3D. I also understand and quite like the fact that you have to be quite particular and precise when creating patterns to give the most desireable outcome, as I guess I can be a bit of a perfectionist so I think I'm well suited to pattern cutting! However, I do still find it difficult at times.

I also try to take the same care and precision when constructing garments, which follows on from pattern cutting when we are asked to make the pattern and then construct the full garment. In Contruction Principles sessions we learn about things like lay plans, different sorts of seams, and coming to terms with the new industrial machinery, which can take a while to adjust to! The sessions are heavily industry based so we are often taught different methods to what we are used to from our domestic machine and construction skills. I really enjoy the PCCP unit of the couse as it's so hands-on and I feel I learn alot from this aspect.

Below are some of the items we have created using basic block patterns, manipulating them to give the desired shape and style of design, then put together in calico. They are only meant to be basic toiles to show the construction process, and not intended for wear so no great detail is necessary.

Basic bodice with sleeves, centre back opening

A-line cotton drill skirt with invisible rear zip and waist facing

Jeans style shorts with fly zip and waistband

The last project within the PCCP unit for this term is to construct a women's shirt from start to finish, (pattern cutting to final pressing!) using the knowledge we have gained so far to try and carry it out by ourselves, but with the tutors help when necessary. So far I have created the pattern and cut out from the fabric (which by the way has a stripe pattern just to make it that little bit more difficult!) making sure all the stripes match up on the lay plan. I will post a picture of the finished article in all it's glory when I have completed it!