Charlotte Taylor Ltd...

OH MY GOSH I am so inspired by this woman and her blog!! It is pretty much exactly what I want to be doing in a couple (or so) years time! She has blogged about looking for interns so I sent her an email.. hopefully she will reply!? Her studio is on the Isle of Wight though, so not sure if it will work out perfectly, but OH MY what an amazing opportunity that would be!! Well worth a stab in the dark..

Eeeeeek here goes..

Charlotte Taylor Ltd

Have litterally just stumbled across this blog of a St.Martins fashion graduate who is about to show their first collection in Feb. Am still looking through the blog post archive but it's so interesting, you should check it out! She is documenting her progress in the lead up to the show and the launch of the label Charlotte Taylor... I recommend taking a look! (especially fellow designers!)

http://www.charlotte-taylor.blogspot.com/

Traces Project: 'DUALITY'

Haven't said anything about our project this term yet! So thought I'd do so now..

Theme: Duality - expresses the two opposing sides on mankind's memory. +/-, good vs evil etc!

My thoughts: I want to focus on the contrast of the two opposing factors by mixing different styles of clothing within the outfit. Eg: I imagine a tough, vamp-esque jacket, possibly biker or straight-jacket style, teamed with soft and delicate underpieces. I think it will be really nice to portray the same contrast within the fabrics, perhaps mixing silks with leather for example??
Team project: The brief is a team project consisting of 2 promoters and 3 designers, including myself. The promoters recently presented the forthcoming and current trends to us, to help us with our designs. We also have on board an FdA Textiles designer who will be dyeing up the fabric for us and creating a printed lining, based around our themes which she will then develop into her own body of work. I have in mind for the main fabric, a dark charcoaly colour, that is a bit patchy in places, inspired by the images below. I would also like to use a softer lining to further represent the contrast of Duality in colours that compliment yet oppose, for example soft nudes, against the charcoal outer fabric.

27/01/2010

Project is now over but thought I would post a couple of pics of the end result!

Summer Round-up

Hello again. It's been a looong summer! Lots to report...

-- Kite Kids brochures

(May '09) After handing in my B&M outfitting/layout project to be marked by Jo, she said she was quite impressed with my work and asked me if I wanted to do some layout work for her childrenswear business! I was more than happy to accept! It initially involved putting together a mini catalogue for her AW09/10 range, and I was also invited to help out at the photoshoot aswell which was good fun, although manic at the same time! (9 children let loose in the woods.. you can imagine!) To produce the brochure I worked on Adobe InDesign, and Photoshop to edit the flat garment shots. I also produced a second brochure shortly after, to show the CAD flat drawings for the following range SS10, for them to use at trade fairs to present to buyers/retailers. The CADs had already been designed by Mudpie, so this brochure was more of a simple layout brief. But still, I learnt quite a lot during the week or two I spent working with Kite on the brochures, and it really helped me brush up on my computer skills. Things went so well in fact that we arranged for me to come back after my Debenhams placement and do some website building for Kite, as they needed to set up a new website! So I had lots to look forward to!..

-- Debenhams work placement

(June '09) Debenhams finally came through in the end! I successfully carried out my 2 week work placement in June, at their head office in London. I found it really useful as I got to learn a bit of an insight into industry and the highstreet retail design process. It made me realise more about the industry as I had a few misconceptions. I now feel a bit more clued up about the way things go for a big name fashion retailer.

(I obviously wrote a more in depth report about my placement so not going to repeat on here! So that's just a summary.)

-- More work for Kite

(end June '09) So back to Kite and building the website. We used a website provider which already sets up the basics for you, so my job involved inputting products, details, images, etc, creating links, ensuring the technical things worked properly, and I also was able to create some of the Kite Kids artwork, again using Photoshop, to be displayed on the site. I also learnt a few more Photoshop tricks whilst at Debenhams so it was really good to be able to come back to Kite with some new skills to put into practise! I think I spent about 2 weeks with Kite working on the website, after which I had booked a summer holiday to Greece, so now it was time to do some relaxing and enjoy a bit more of the summer hols!!

-- Mudpie work placement

(Sep '09) Back at Kite again for another week to put together another brochure, this time for the SS10 photoshoot, to be used more for direct selling. Meanwhile, with Jo using Mudpie for the majority of the Kite artwork and CADs, both Jo and Mudpie decided that it would be much more cost effective if we both could be trained on the software they use to produce the CAD flat drawings. They use a programme called CorelDraw, so we arranged for us to go to their design studio for a couple of training sessions. This is a great opportunity for me as it means I can broaden my computer skills even further, and that Jo is kean to have me on board for some more ongoing work at Kite in producing the CAD designs!!

Jo also enquired for me about arranging some work experience. September is a busy time at Mudpie as they have lots to do in the lead up to the release of their seasonal trend books, so they were happy to have me. I went for a week in September, and helped with various jobs, like imaging sourcing for their forthcoming trends for AW1011 and the usual scanning/photocopying etc, but I was also able on a couple of days to get a bit practice in on Corel, and have a play around with the new things I had learnt from our training session the week before. I was quite lucky to have this opportunity.

I enjoyed my time at Mudpie, and in comparison to my placement at Debenhams I felt much more 'at home'. Not sure if that's the right phrase to use, but I definately felt more comfortable in the workplace, probably because I had already experienced an industry work placement so was a little more prepared and knew what to expect. But comparing the two companies, I was much more at ease in Mudpie's smaller working environment. They have around 20ish employees I think and it was definately a much more friendly atmosphere! I think now I'd be much more inclined to apply for a job with a smaller design company than with a retail giant like Debenhams. However, I think its just a case of needing to build up my confidence with more work experience and then I think I will feel more prepared for the professional industry, in particular the big name fashion retailers. I'd like to do some more work experience for smaller design companies, so am open to anything that comes my way, and am thinking about putting out my CV when I've got some free time like in holidays, to see if there are any good placements going.

-- Kite/CorelDraw

(Oct '09) Now back at uni, in order to juggle my studies with work for Kite and also my part-time waitressing job we have agreed that I will do one full day a week (when possible) on a Saturday. I have done a couple of days already and its going really well. Im learning new things all the time and constantly improving, but the hard part is that it does take a long time!! And obviously the more accurate and detailed the CAD must be, the longer it takes! However, practise makes perfect so im getting there..!

Hello again, Blog!

Just a quick re-visit as its now the end of the first year.. It's gone sooo quickly!! I've really enjoyed it though, and I'm really pleased with all my results I have achieved for all the different modules. (apart from of course the little slip up with our FDP deadline, ooops!) I managed to get a good grade for this blog so I must have done something right?! I also got a good mark for B&M too, which I was really happy with as it has given me confidence in both areas of the course, whether I choose Design or Promotion.. I'm still going with Design but I'm pleased that I did well in B&M, just incase I ever decide on a change of direction, at least a good understanding of that will stand me in good stead!

I'm also really excited as Jo our B&M tutor thought my layout brief was really good, so has asked me to do some layout work for her business!! She wants me to create a season catalogue/brochue for her newest range, AW09/10. I may also be able to go out on the photoshoot with them which they are doing at Moors Valley! So that will be really exciting. It's all due to take place next week, so I may continue to blog about that, I'm not sure yet! But here's pics of my layout brief, which I am proud of as I put a lot of time and hard work into it!!

As for placements.. grrrrr!! That's the only thing left for this year, but I'm still waiting to be told dates, which is rather annoying. However, I'm thinking about using Jo's assignment as my work placement if I still don't hear anything from Debenhams, but not sure if this will be ok with Sarah.. will have to ask!

Anyway.. Aside from this, we return on Oct 5th, so nice long summer ahead! Yay! But it's not all playtime, we should soon be given a brief to begin over summer for our first project of the 2nd year, the Jacket project. I'm quite looking forward to it, but I must say I'm a little apprehensive to go back to restricted project briefs, as after having so much fun with the sportswear project I'm worried that I might not get on with it like some of the project briefs we had in the 1st year. I'm not really used to Tailoring either, which I am imagining the project to be focussed on?? However, hopefully we will have enough leaway to go where we want with it, and I'm sure I'll be able to work with it in one way or another!

As for targets for the 2nd year.. I guess just to continue working hard, and use my time and the studio wisely, as I have recently had some first hand experience of how stressful it can be when it comes to final collection time! Last week I helped one of the second years with the sewing of some of their collection, as they were extremely pushed for time. I didn't mind helping out as it gave me some good sewing practise (her collection was menswear including shirts, suits etc) so I now have good knowledge of the construction of a mens shirt, which is good to know, for things like collars, cuffs etc, and just for future reference really! She also gave a really generous gift voucher to thank you which was so nice. I bought some lovely bargains with it!! Below is a pic of her Final collection!

Anyway.. that's all for now, I may pop in during/after work placement time and just report back. Byeeeee :)

GOODBYE BLOG!!

So deadline is tomorrow, time to say goodbye!

I've quite enjoyed the whole blogging experience, as it is a good way of working out my thoughts when I've got things on my mind. But I find it hard to do so on a regular basis which might let my blog down?..

I'm not really sure what exactly we're meant to put on here, whether its more about the general day to day stories about the course, or about things that inspire us, or just for major issues that arise that in particular strike me to write about. I guess it's all three but I find myself wanting to do just the latter. I feel silly blogging things like "today we did such and such" and find it hard to stick to a routine blogging session, like every week or something, as some weeks are just a bit general and not very interesting! And I would often find myself repeating the kind of things that I would put into my sketchbook.

However, I'm glad we were given the option of a blog rather than the visual diary like in previous years, as it makes a much more accessible way (for me anyway) to note down my thoughts and feelings. And I find that the internet is becoming so much more of a relevant source in my projects and personal development and inspirations, that it is really good to have it all there in one place, as opposed to having to dig out a diary, stick things in etc etc, thats just not for me!

I'm thinking about continuing my blog, in the second year especially as we will probably have to anyway! But perhaps even after I've finished next year, noting the key experiences and events that might occur in my future fashion career! As I think it would be a really nice thing to look back on in years to come.

So... bye for now!!

Loving Sportswear!

We are well and truely into this project now but I just wanted to say that I am absolutely loving it, still! So happy that this has been a great brief for the rest of the year.

My project is based around the footwear aspect of sportswear, focussing on high-top trainers, in particular those of the U.S brand Supra, which I plan on using for my collaboration.

Had my toile review last week and it all went really well. I came well prepared with samples so they could have a clearer idea of my designs, which paid off as there weren't too many questions that needed to be asked and they seemed really pleased with my toiles. I am gutted that I forgot to take any photos of my model wearing them! But she can hopefully come back into the studio and model them for me again soon so that I can take some for my sbk, and will put them on here if I get time.

As for the whole B&M/Design debate, I am definately going to choose Design next year. I have always thought since my A levels that this would be what I would do anyway, but since the B&M sessions I became a little confused, as I do enjoy them both. But from comments and advice given from either sides I have definately decided on Design. It's what I love and although I could maybe see myself as a Buyer, Design is what inspires me and drives me more! And I've heard from various sources that even though their degree was in Design they have still ended up in B&M, so I'm not too worried about making the wrong decision in regards to career options anymore.

On|Off at London Fashion Week

Diary entries from my time at LFW dressing models for the OnOff catwalk shows...

Fri 20th
So I've packed my bags, (slippers being an essential item!) printed out maps, directions, tickets etc etc, all prepared for five days of Fashion Week and ready to walk down the road to catch the coach, National Express to Victoria. After a long and very packed coach journey we arrive in London at around 7pm. Time to walk to the hostel.. Beforehand I Google-mapped the directions which said it would be about a 40 min walk from Vic. After bearly being able to walk 15 mins down the road from Wallisdown to the Uni we decided to get the tube in order to cut walking distance, although shortly after I was wishing we had just walked.. suitcases, stairs and escalators are not a good mix! Anyway, we get to South Ken tube stop and try to find our way from there.. turns out Google has the wrong address stored for the hostel and so gave us the wrong bloody directions!! We must have spent over 2 hours walking round in circles trying to find this god damn place, tired, hungry and aching muscles from suitcase lugging! But looking on the bright side, the WRONG directions took us to a rather nice little cobbled street filled with posh flats and expensive cars parked outside, which was just lovely so we had to take photos.

Eventually we arrive at the hostel, and by now it had got quite late so had to creep in quietly and un pack. We realise that the dorm is actaully 'mixed' i.e males and females all in one room, which was a bit uncomfortable, but the hostel's policy on this is 'you get what you pay for' like it or lump it! Time for bed as had to be up at 5am!!

Sat 21st
Horrible night's sleep on a lumpy bed so now my muscles are aching even more! Surpisingly I wake before my alarm at half 4 so decide to just get up and give myself good time to get ready (in the dark, as not to wake strangers!) Today was for unloading and setting up at the Science Museum which was yet more strain on the muscles! Once everything had been set up there was quite a lot of waiting around, which was a little boring, but we had been told to expect a bit of this so I was prepared and brought a couple of magazines with me. At the end of the day we were given a briefing to tell us all what to expect and look forward to which was quite exciting and geared me up a bit more for the next few days! At the end of the day back at the hostel we find out that it is being host to another fashion showcase similar to OnOff, called Vauxhall Fashion Scout, promoting up and coming designers. We mangaged to sneak into one of the evening shows which was really cool!! It was the first show we had got to see since being in London so it was really exciting.

Sun 22nd
My group had the advantage of a nice lie in this morning and didn't have to be there until 11am, which was well needed after yesterday. But when I arrived the place was overrun with hair stylists, make up artists, designers and models, it was just crazy! So many people in such a small space. I felt a little out of my depth and didn't really know what to do, whether to linger around looking 'available' but not really doing anything, or to just keep out of the way. I decided to hang back in the 'room of doom and gloom' as I like to call it, as later that day, we were practically banished there for over four hours with nothing to do, as the designer schedualed at the time had brought their own team of dressers and didn't need any of the OnOff crew. Was very disappointing, not to mention boring, luckily I took a good selection of mags with me that day! At around 7pm we finally got our first peice of the action, (much awaited after hearing about the other group's eventful day of 2 shows worth of dressing!) we get assigned a model for the Sado show. I was quite excitited as Sado was one of the designer's I had researched and highlighted as one that I wanted to see, but by now I was quite nervous as I didn't know what to expect from the models, whether they'd be warm and friendly or steriotypical divas! But I think I was more nervous about 'doing anything wrong' and looking completely incompetent infront of what could be an experienced proffessional model and stylist, quite possibly even the designer. When I got there and introduced my self to the model and stylist they were both very friendly. The garments were hanging on the rail ready to be put on. I mentioned that this was my first time dressing in case if I did look like I didn't know what I was doing they might understand a little! Looking back I think I was just working myself up with worry, making moutains out of molehills and thinking into it too much. On top of this I had a nightmare migraine due to taking some cheap sleeping tablets the night before (silly idea) from when I woke up, which didn't settle until we got back to the hostel that night, so it really did not help my nerves and emotions! I did feel a bit silly coming away from it all that day and convinced myself that I just have to relax, not worry so much about what people might think and whether I'm doing things wrong, when it comes down to it it is simply helping someone to get dressed, not rocket science! Anyway, dressing the show was pretty cool. I didn't have the most challenging outfit to dress but I'm sure that from the other side they all would have looked fab. Here's my model in the top and skirt and another outfit that I liked from the Sada show.

Mon 23rd

This morning we were dressing for Olivia Rubin, another designer which I was really excited about, but most of all I wanted to experience this one as I really loved what I saw from her website. I had the same model today which was nice as it meant we could chat and I was able to gain an insight into the life of a model. I couldn't believe she was only 17 but she'd been modelling for 3 years already! She had to give up her studies in order to persue it as a career. It facinates me as it's just so crazy, but I love finding out about it. The clothes she had lined up today were really exciting, and there was an outfit change involved so I was excited about this, yesterday seemed all a bit too easy and didn't really get the blood pumping! I could tell today was going to be different. We had a small problem with the leather gloves for one of the outfits, the buttons wouldn't fit through the holes! But it was ok because they got us stuck in really early with the fittings so there wasn't a mad panic like usual, and we had time to sort out any problems with the clothes while the stylist approved the rest of the looks. It didn't click until afterwards that Olivia was there with us confiring with her stylist and organising the garments to match the models. At first I thought she was a stylist but then I heard her name being called and realised it must be her! It was really cool to see the designer in the flesh and experience how they work during the show of their collection. I didn't expect her to be quite so young either. She was really well dressed and laid back, surprisingly! I think this is also the reason I didn't first of all recognise her to be the boss. However by now I suppose she would have had quite a bit of experience showing her collections each season and would be well prepared. But I really like her as a designer as I think her age and style, which reflects through in her designs, give something fresh to young yet sophisticated women.

In the meantime Pam Hogg was showing this morning!! We were so lucky in being able to watch this show, as we weren't needed backstage. It was amazing!! The clothes were just so wacky and the finale dresses were awe-inspiring. Not forgetting to mention the number of celebrities modelling for her and those sat in the front row to watch (Jamie Winstone, Daisy Lowe, Alice Dellal as models, and Alfie Allen, Peaches Geldof, to name just a few!) I would love to put some photos of the show on here but there's just too many!

In the evening we were dressing for OnOff Presents.. which is a number of shows in one promoting who they (the OnOff team) think are going to be the next big thing. I was dressing for costume-trained designer Rachel Freire, who's designs were very out there! But I loved them! The colour palette of the garments was nude and neutral with flashes of reflective fabric, used to make stirrup-type leg peices. The models were also made up with this reflective material put onto their eyebrows! And one girl was backstage for hours having these massive hair-horns attached to her head! It all added up to what I can only imagine was an amazing show. I must say though, it was incredibly hectic and unprepared, but this was only to be expected. I think this was the first time Rachel Friere has shown her work in an environment like this. She seemed quite young too so I imagine she is a recent graduate. But she pulled it off brilliantly none the less!

Tues 24th - LAST DAY!!

I was quite glad that today was the last day, it was a big sigh of relief to think it was nearly time to go home! But this morning we were dressing for Josh Goot, who was showing off-site in Covent Garden, so we had to be there at 6am ready to set up!! Not nice! But what made things nicer was later on that day we got to meet Josh and he was so nice. He was really informative and would get us involved as much as possible, actually talking to us (which was a first out of all the designers we had dressed for.) His organisation backstage was IMPECABLE!! Made a very nice change from back at the Science Museum! I could tell he's an ultimate perfectionist, but then all good designers are! I think you have to be in this business. Anyway, apart from doing the outfit changes in this tiny corridoor with photographers and camera men snapping away, people shouting, basically everyone was going crazy! So apart from that it all went smoothly and was a really good show to experience backstage. We finished at around lunchtime but still had to go back to the Science Museum at 6pm to de-rig... urgh. This took about 3 hours and we were all sooo worn out physically and mentally! But afterwards we the had a little award ceremony with drinks and goody bags which was nice. There was also talk of the opportunity to do Clothes Show London, if we wanted to do it again... Do I???? I'm not too sure.

It was an incredible experience, I think I would probably do it again as I really enjoyed the 'Fashion' atmosphere and seeing all the designers and garments up close. But I just spent far too much money on accomm and travel, and just being able to live for 5 days! So living down here I don't think it's really do-able on a regular basis, which is a shame. However, if I lived in London I'm sure it would be a different story!

B&M or Design, B&M or Design...

I am now completely confused and torn between the two routes which I might take in the second year!!

Basically.. today we had what I found to be a really interesting B&M session with Jo. We looked at Sourcing the Product which involves sourcing fabric, materials and production from other countries in order to deliver the correct kind of garments. We also got an idea of what a typical garment might look like when manufactured in specific countries, as most tend to adopt common traights. I found this really interesting and it gave me a better knowlegde of the manufacturing industry and garment make-up.

At the end of the session Jo showed us some photos taken while on one of her sourcing trips to India for her Kite Kids range. I found this so interesting as it sounds really crazy, but I've kind of always been quite interested in factories and the production line for how a mass-produced garment is created. I have thought about what it might be like to work in one as a machinist and I personally think it would be quite interesting.. However after a week or so of sewing the same seams of the same continuous line of garments over and over again, I may think a little different!!

But it was during this session I realised that as a Buyer you may well get the opportunity, if you are lucky, to actually go on sourcing trips like this and visit factories and communicate directly with suppliers, all of which I think I would find really rewarding.. I have come to realise over the past few months that I really want to travel some day and see different parts of the world, so if I were to ever get this opportunity I would jump at the chance!

It is now that I am starting to think that perhaps a job in B&M would be better suited in order to gain more reliable career prospects...??? In the past week or so I have started to become swayed in this direction as the tutors stress the fact that that Design is just so competitive. But Design is what I know and what I LOVE!! However I spoke briefly with Jo and mentioned that I have always wanted to take the Design route, and if it would still be possible to gain a career in B&M even if I choose the Design route in year 2. She mentioned that a Garment Technologist may be a suitable career option, as with a background in Design it would mean I'd have the abilty to really understand fabrics, construction and garment make-up, etc, which are key attributes that a Technologist needs. I also learned from Jo's presentation that large retail companies often employ freelance designers to contribute to their product lines.

1st Term Results and Feedback

The first term was a lot different to the way things are now. In FDP we would be doing quick 3/4 week projects which was OK as it forced me to get the ball rolling quickly and come up with ideas. But it was disappointing not to be able to carry the projects through and actually make any garments. So this term I'm really looking forward to getting stuck into the construction and sampling of my ideas.

After coming back from the Christmas break we were given the marks and feedback from all work done in the first term. For FDP, I stupidly didn't realise that there was a strict time deadline for this work to be handed in, and was running late on that day so it meant I was 10 mins late on handing in. This unfortunately meant I could only achieve minimum pass grade!! :( I was really upset but could only kick myself for not registering the timed deadline!! I knew the timetable said 9.30am but I guess I just didn't click! Anyway, silly mistake which will NOT happen again!! So my mark for the FDP unit stands at just 40%. But I was able to see what I would have got, being the equivalent of a 2:1. I am told that marks in the first term do not count toward your final grade so I guess all I can do is learn from this experience and not to dwell on it. I would have achieved a decent grade so I'm happy in this sense. Comments on this work were that it is "very neat and well presented. However some of the boards presented needed greater consideration of scale." I think though that because we were so pushed for time perhaps some of my work was a little rushed. Again this is why I am enjoying this term as it means I can take me time and produce some good quality work.

In the PCCP unit I managed to achieve 70% (which I think is equivalent to a first?) I really enjoyed this unit as I think my construction skills are strong and I am picking up the pattern cutting techniques quite quickly. Feedback included again, "a neat and well presented folder of work, with in-depth knowledge being demonstrated. Excellent garments." So I am really happy with my PCCP grade. Although I naturally had to ask what would I have to do to gain a higher mark, and this would include examples of extra work that is not compulsory but that would present evidence of further in-depth knowledge, skills and understanding.

Intro to Buying and Merchandising

Last week we had our first real session on Buying and Merchandising. I found it quite interesting to find out about what a Buyer actually does, as I haven't really been to clear about the term in the past. We also found out what a Merchandiser and a Technologist does, which together all three should work hand-in-hand. I found it interesting to learn about the different departments within this area and the levels of hierarchy found in a typical major retail business.

Buyer

- Real focus is to deliver the required profit. 

- Use a balance of trends and history to develop customer focused range

- Build strong relationships with suppliers

- Always focus on competition

- Teamwork and management

Merchandiser

- Real focus is to ensure all financial targets are achieved

- Manages specified budget according to strategy

- Spreadsheets, graphs, systems-based analysis

- Works closely with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of goods

Technologist

- Ensure all garments are 'fit for purpose'

- Ensures fit, make up and fabric meet retailers' specification

- Adapts basic block to create new spec

- Fabric testing

- 'Red seal' sample prior to bulk production

- Ensure critical path deadlines are being met

- Upholds Trading Laws and any ethical or environmental policies the retailer stands by

I now know what each profession entails and am interested in how they all function, but I still think my direction lies in Design rather than B&M or Promotion. However I am still open to learning more about the industry as a whole, as I know it will be important and beneficial to have an in-depth understanding even if I do end up with a career in Design.

London Fashion Week

I am so excited as I am going to be helping out with the dressing of the models for a catwalk at London Fashion Week! It will be for the OnOff Catwalk which is now in it's 10th season at Fashion Week, showcasing on and off schedual designers' work. This year collections from a number of designers are being promoted. I am really interested to see..

Sado

Italian Designer Carlotta Gherzi. The main themes in her collections are nature and movement. She uses high quality silk, wool, cashmere and suede, and creates complex and elaborate elements within the pieces. Generally they are practical and unique in form with playful lines and shapes. The designer claims "I create clothes that come alive on the body. They are not for the wardrobe but for real life".

Rocky S

Seams to already be a well established brand with a wide range of lines including Women's RTW, Couture, 'Club' - a younger and more affordable diffusion line, Homeware and Perfume. The brand looks really sharp but classical, often taking traditional Indian inspirations from his roots.

Osman Yousefzada

Classical and timeless pieces playing with drapery and giving them a quirky edge.

Olivia Rubin
Youthful and exciting ladieswear, historically inspired shapes, bold prints and colours. Very wearable pieces for a young, fun and fashion-concious woman.

Emilio de la Morena

Body-con shapes, considered colour palettes, again very chic and wearable garments with fashion forward flair.

Romeo & Juliet Update.. (see previous post 26th Nov)

OK, so quite some time has past since I posted about my involvement on the Romeo & Juliet project.. A lot has happened in that time and plans had changed, including the amount of input and involvement that was required by the group. It has now all come to an end and the production is currently being shown at the New Players Theatre in London, but because of my lack of updates I will backtrack on the details and tell you more about my part in the project...

So from where I left off in the last post, I had met the other girls involved - 2 recent graduates from the BA Costume Design course here at the Institute, a full time mum who has had previous experience making costumes for local productions, and a 6th form student who is going to be enrolling on the Foundation Art & Design course next year (same as what I did last year). So it was nice that we all had local connections of some sort.

2nd Group Meeting

Our task mentioned in the previous post was to come up with our individual design ideas ready to put forward to the group. I had spent quite a bit of time researching and reading up about Renaissance dress from books in the library, as well as watching the Zeferelli film, so this gave me lots of ideas to use in m designs. In this meeting we also met another member of the group, Michalis, who was to be like our team leader as it were! He was mainly going to be involved in the set design but the director, Julia, wanted him to be involved with the costumes as well.

We then then found out that we needed to incorporate more rap and hip hop style references into the costumes, as is reflected in the music and dance, and not just focus on Renaissance styles. We had to try and find a way of incorporating the two into one look that worked - this was really hard to achieve! I began looking at some hip hop references and imagery to help inspire me but I found it rather difficult to mix both styles into one design as I thought it just didnt look right. However I gave it a go and this is some of what I came up with..

3rd Group Meeting
After presenting all our ideas to the group, (some of mine are shown above) we decided that it was quite difficult to put ideas down on paper, so instead we were given the task of hunting through the charity shops in search of items of clothing that we could alter, in order to make them look rap/renaissance. I found a few items - a pair of shorts, pair of tracksuit bottoms, a large t shirt and two sleeveless t shirts. I thought it would be better to use the largest sizes I could find as then I'd be able to create volume within the clothing by gathering certain areas, in order to create a renaissance look.

My renaissance garments made from sportswear

4th Group Meeting
Julia had decided that they wanted Michalis to work more directly on the costumes and to take over the designing. This was understandable as perhaps she wanted someone to be more in charge and who was able to dedicate more time to the costumes. However, it was disappointing and rather annoying as I had put quite a lot of time into the project by now through research and design ideas, time which for me could have been more importantly spent on doing my coursework for uni. The rest of the group were also disheartened as they too put a lot of effort into it, only to find that it was all a bit of a waste. Anyway, on this day we presented what we had found and made from the charity shop finds. It was quite fun as I was able to see what everyone else had put together and we also did some cutting and pinning whilst we were there, playing with fabrics and garments. Michalis showed us some of his ideas of taking sports graments and tracksuits and making them look renaissance. It was very clever and interesting and gave us a clearer idea of what it was he was trying to achieve with the costumes. But still, our roles now were simply to help out with the making of the costumes. We now just had to wait to be told the list of items he wanted us to make and wait for the fabrics and designs to be dropped off to us in Bournemouth from London.

Michalis's creations

Playing with fabrics and draping

Times Passes..

After parting for the Christmas period, eventually in the new year we recieve an email of the shortlist of what we were asked to make.. 2 kilts, 5 pairs of harem style pants and 9 pairs of knee pads. This wasn't going to be too difficult to achieve as there was 5 of us so we were quite happy in this respect. However, it took them a number of days after from when they said the fabrics would be delivered to arrive in Bournemouth ready for us to start working. This was quite frustrating for us as it meant our time allowance was getting shorter and had less time to complete the garments. When the fabrics did arrive there was very little instruction and the designs were very vague which also made it more difficult for us. I am glad I was working with the others in a group as I dont know what I would have done if we weren't able to discuss and share our confusion with the rest of the group! With Michalis and Julia and the rest of the co-ordinators up in London working on rehearsals and the other costumes being made in London, it was difficult to get in contact with them to ask questions. We could also tell that they were very stressed! As a group we managed to complete all the garments on time. The garments I helped with included the sewing of one of the kilts and a number of the knee pads. I was pleased with what I had produced as they all turned out nice and neat and fairly well made, considering the restrictions!

Delevering the Goods

After failing attempts to drop off the costumes to Julia in Bournemouth as planned, it had resorted to needing to deliver them to the theatre in London. It was at very short notice they had asked us to do this which meant I had to rearrange my plans but I did want to go up there and see the set and take photos etc, so I was happy to drive up as they were offering to pay our transport. After a long drive in the dark it was worth it in the end as it was great to be amongst it all, and we were able to help out more directly on the costumes while we were there. Michalis was really pleased with what we had produced which was really satisfying, knowing that we had helped out and did a good job of what they asked. I loved watching the rehearsals also as we got to see some great dancing and got a greater feel for the shows atmosphere. I think I gained the most from this experience of being there amongst all the other people involved on the project, like the other costumes makers, set production and the cast and directors. It was a really fun and friendly atmosphere and I wish I was able to have spent more time up in London working with the production, but of course the distance and commitments meant this was not possible. However I have learnt from the whole process to be more expectant of pushed deadlines and being asked to go that little bit extra! Below are some pictures taken when we got to the theatre, down in the dressing room where the rest of the costumes were being made..

These pictures are of some of the costumes being worn and fitted to the cast members.. complete costume for Lord Montague made by Michalis and co

Harem style pants made by the Bournemouth team

Harem style pants and a top made by Michalis and co

Rehearsals and dancing