Strawberry Embellishment

For initial inspiration, I began to take photographs of foods in ways in which made them appear more desirable. From these, I decided on strawberries as my initial inspiration. I began to look at the shapes and textures, and how I could represent these. I made a collagraph, from which I made prints, with the use of various inks, dyes and bleach to give different effects.

For the final piece, I used a variety of materials. The main strawberry shape is created through the use of embroidery threads, onto which I added wire and metallic threads to add depth; the strawberry centre uses metallic cord, sweet wrappers, ribbon and sequins; part of the inner strawberry was created by printing the picture onto the fabric with a transfer paste to add a ‘smooth’ texture; the leaves are a base of felt, work onto with ribbon and threads.

Exhibit Dress (in progress)

I drew up simple, initial pattern blocks to enable me to create a pattern in accordance to my final design. I then edited these to change the shape - for example to make the top strapless, and to narrow the skirt.

From doing this, I found that I needed to further develop and experiment with the pattern blocks to create what I required. I used a mannequinn onto which I pinned the blocks to enable me to work with them. This helped me to see where I needed the darts to line up, in accordance with such points as bust, waist and hips. From these blocks, I also used scrap material to fit the pieces to the mannequin, through the technique of moulage.

I made a toile to enable me to fit the garment, and make adjustments before creating the final piece. I used tissue paper to model the kick bottom on the dress, which I will make out of various materials to add texture and interest, also using netting underneath to give it structure and support.

1960's Inspired Jacket

This jacket was made taking design inspiration from the 1960's, from taking into consideration that revivalist fashion has inspired many designers for their new collections. After analysing the context in relation to the needs of the designer, manufacturer and consumer, I drew up the design brief, which entailed the need to create a jacket suitable for a teenager of today taking inspiration from the 1960's.

I visited the Victoria and Albert museum in London, the Tate Modern, and the Fashion and Textile Museum, where, at the time, the work of Foale and Tuffin was on display. This was my initial inspiration and starting point for the project, being particularly inspired by the use of heavy materials, as well as bright and bold colours, in block, as well as a variety of patterns.

The jacket is darted to fit to the body, and has a darted cap long sleeve, which can be folded up to reveal the lining and contrast the two materials. It is a single breasted classic jacket torso with a jewel back neckline and wide, open collar.

I carried out forms of testing, such as a questionnaire to gain public opinion, which also allowed me to collect my data and form graphs, more easily coming to conclusions about the results, a user trial in which someone from my target market group wore the jacket to assess its suitability, along with comments and evidence from public opinion and the user to evaluate whether I had successfully solved the ‘problem’ and created a solution to the brief.