Visions in Black and White

I really relate to the first set brief, I've always been intrigued to experiment with minimal colours and shades using techniques such as structure, surface design and texture. We was giving a chance to use our creative skills by crafting a sculpture, either by paper or fabric. I love contemporary art fashion so i decided

to use paper. I researched into artists for inspiration such as Jum Nakoa, Garepth Pugh, Zahvarova and Plotnikov. Luckly previously i had made a moodboard on handmade (paper craft) so this was huge inspiration to.

My interests became obvious when i
was constantly amazed by how strips of 2d paper can beautifully form around the body in a rounded sculpture. For something this flat and simple it had a maximum effect i.e to the left Zahvarova and Plotnikov's work. I started to spontaneously mess around with strips on a tailoring model. I wanted to use both black and white paper so i stuck them together and cut many strips roughly the same width and length.

To hold all the strips in place when forming this structure i used pins and also cello tape as it was only a temporary design.

These are photos of front and back views.

I am pleased with the final outcome considering the amount of time given, although it would of been nice to complete the structure so it comes together as a whole.

Naturally the lines became very stubborn and defined it almost represents the rib cage and the body's skeleton. It Becomes deadly and relative to the body. What the great aspects of layering all these strips together is that although it looks full and thick but at certain angles it become semi transparent, you can see inwards. What adds to this affect is how i stuck the opposite colour on the back so the white/black seeps through.

I <3 Christian Dior Couture

A few of my favourites. Truly inspirational and absolutely magnificent. I envy. They speak for themselves!

Todays Illustrator

The lesson today firstly involved experimenting with 3-d. Here i have just tested regular and irregular shapes. Using the 3-d extrude and bevel tool gave me the option to show different dephs, make the shapes hollow or solid and move the shapes to different angles. To use this technique on my fashion illustrations could enhance the garment illustrated by giving it a life like representation and also show the movement of the fabric.


Then secondly we had to produce a documentation of a illustrated garment and logo for a brand. I decided to do an article talking about this seasons upcoming style approaching within the brand. I stenciled the garment from Luella's collection and produced my own colours and patterns to style the model. I created a swatch to produce this repeat floral pattern. I used text box to write the descriptions and analysis of the coming collection.

what i thought worked well was the boxes to show swatches and fabric samples. This shows the textures and styles of the fabric through a photographic approach so that its visible to the readers eyes.

Trainer Design

Here i have used a Balenciaga high top trainer as a template to work from. Choosing colours to build the trainer and design ideas together was exciting. First of all i added a new swatch to my illustrator which is the floral print fill. Using the swatch tool to add different colours, textures helps to make the trainer look more realistic. To Finalise this technical sketch i added some detail through using stroke with the pen tool. I've highlighted where there should be top stitch which is an element of the design, also i have defined the sole which shows the manufacturer that its textured rubber.

Illustrator

Developing skills on illustrator:

over the last 5 weeks illustrator has been a weakness. My views on illustrator has changed dramatically. learning how to use form lines and shapes to make an image is so exciting because its communicating through a different media. I've found myself thinking ahead in what i want to achieve in future briefs or ideas i would like to explore and illustrator helps to develop the design efficiently.

Catching up!

Adobe Illustrator is challenging and very frustrating at times but today i feel like i've achieved something. Here i have produced playing card symbols. Learning these skills today will eventually help me to make flat drawings by computer. Flat drawings helps to communicate a design to the constructor. Normally from designer to factory. So keeping up with excises is important as this will become a benefit for me. What i have learnt most about todays lesson is using different anchor points within a shape you've made. You can manipulate any point to change a line.

First week of Autumn Term.

I felt from my induction things started off slowly but looking back i feel that it was very necessary. Having the opportunity to spend time making friends, interacting with fellow course students has eased this week incredibly!!!! I love AUCB and Bournemouth but more importantly the people I'm surrounded by. I feel so comfortable living here. Above is a few photos of time spending with fashion students.

All has happened so fast these past few days especially from my first post. I've had to take in so much, it has been very nerve racking for me because all I have been thinking is; this the start of my assessment as a practicing fashion designer ahhhh. " Start like you mean to go on" is my quote of the week, and i have followed this positively.

So what has happened?

• Design Principles induction

I have mentioned in my last post about the brief given but just an update since, i have used the library to gather some images. Now I'm focusing on bringing in materials to add on the mood board. will start constructing in tomorrows lesson.

• IT + PPRD

Jamie is very lovely and helpful. From just the first lesson i have learnt a few things about macs, saving work in uni, how to use emails and most importantly how to use blackboard. This shows all important information. I've also received my memory stick.

Making this blog was the difficult part of the lesson, we didn't have much time to experiment with Jamie present unfortunately.

• Getting to grips with using this blog

which i must say is not going very well lol i am not very computer literate or even good at writing but apart from this it is useful to express how I'm feeling and keeping a track of what I'm doing. I know in time this will be very successful as I'm very forgetful.

• Pattern Cutting

Although i started off a bit wobbly..literally !! i really did enjoy flat pattern making. Having a brief presentation on what the lesson was about, what was needed equipment wise how to use it, and different methods of constructing a pattern was incredibly useful. Not knowing much on patterns i learnt key things which must be consistent like measurement on seam allowances, accuracy, angles, labelling and grains of fabrics. What was advised of us is keeping a block reference for every pattern to develop from, always do a technical sketch and always sample the toile on a model to see if it hangs right on the human figure. After this off load of information, we actually started our first task making a basic bodice with sleeve block pattern size 12 with tolerance . which basically allows movement when worn. Very stress full but incredibly fulfilling. I cant wait to start the next lesson, i love this feeling of achieving something. Now all i have to finish from that lesson is the technique sketch and redoing mistakes!

Jum Nakao

This is such a delicate beautiful collection. I would like to use some images from his work on my mood board supporting the theme hand made. Not much information involved with the collection but on you tube there is a video showing some making and the process creating the catwalk. Sorry don't know how to upload on this thing!

The beginning

After a painful 3 years in college i have finally made it to the AUCB studying Fda Fashion. The experience so far has been amazing! Excited to start the development of me and my professional practice leading to a career in fashion. So far i feel that i have a lot to learn about the fashion industry. I have met wonderful people which includes lecturers course mates and everyone else! I have a feeling that the next 2 years is going to be very positive and absolutely crazy!!

I have received my first brief for fashion design principles. I have to make a moodboard on the theme of handmade which i think is quite a wide subject. My thoughts are leading towards paper design in chinese methods.

Thanks for reading my first blog!