19th October 2020

Design

This week I had my presentation for the outcomes of the first 4-week project. The simple design and surgical cutting technique on the final jacket was very successful. However, the pocket details could have been improved as the lining did not fit quite right. If I had more time, I would have also added lining. The stand work I had done at the beginning of the project sparked lots of great ideas, so I’m going to develop one of them further into a full-scale toile. My design drawing could do with improving though as drawing has always been an area, I’m not at all confident in. I know that my design drawings are a bit boring, basic, and stiff, but I find it difficult to portray on paper what’s in my head. Creating 3D work comes a lot more naturally to me and I enjoy it a lot more. My tutor suggested incorporating collage and giving hints of colour with inks rather than colored pencil. This would make the drawing have a more high-end and couture feel to reflect my stand work.

We also had the drawing briefing this week which introduced us to using a variety of techniques and materials. There is a day of tasks that I need to do but I keep putting it off as I don’t particularly enjoy drawing. I always worry that my drawing will let me down in when I work in the industry. But hopefully if I push myself to do the tasks and continue exploring different methods of design drawing my work will improve and I may start to enjoy drawing more.

The CAD workshop was very challenging on Friday as we had to create a digital pattern for a dress. I feel like I am getting the hand of it though, as long as I keep referring back to the instructions. The hardest thing is remembering all the little steps and what things are called.

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Research

The sustainability seminar was great as it gave a real insight into how vast the topic of sustainability is within fashion. I would like to do some in depth research into the different articles, website and documentaries suggested to help me with my project proposal. Areas to look at include the Ella McArthur Foundation, Earth Logic, Fabric for fashion book, the new David Attenborough documentary and some of the competitions I could take part in. I’m thinking about including circular fashion and the importance of designing clothes that last both in my project proposal. Designing clothes that are made from renewable materials and can be recycled. I really need to remember that sustainability is achieved through balance. This includes social, economic, environmental, partnership and peace. The Sustainable developed goals are another great place to research. I did the fashion revolution course earlier in the year and I would like to incorporate some of these goals in my work too. It feels a bit overwhelming as there’s so much that needs to change with fashion. The image above is a mind map for my practice project proposal. Next week I need to make my ideas more concise and figure out what the bigger and smaller picture is. Putting the different ideas into areas of interest, the focus and processes.