Final Designs

Now we’re nearing our final deadline of second year, My collection is finished and i feel as if my work has vastly improved since the last deadline, I feel as though I took Helens comments on board and have worked really hard to improve what needed improving in my work. I’m proud to say all my collection has been done by hand, dyed by hand and hand screen printed. even my one (unfotunately) paper design was done by painting with gouache paints. I think the fact that everything has been done by hand sets me apart from a lot of the other girls and I’m genuinely proud to have produced the body of work that I have. 

One of helens comments was that my drawings didnt seem to be in my usual style, which i completely agree with. ai feel as though I lost a part of myself and lost a part of the way i would usually work, before easter, and in this final deadline this is something I’ve really tried to improve, by using a variety of Mark making, different print techniques, its been difficult, but I really hope it’s paid off. 

Print Print And more Print

Having spent the best part of the last two weeks in the print workshops with Steve and a few of the girls, having experimented with my own dye baths, dying my fabrics, and a variety of primt techniques I’m happy to say my designs are actually coming along really well, and I feel as though I’ve really uped my game since last term. I’m confident in saying that ai’ll have a collection of FABRIC designs that fit in well with my brief.

   

experimenting with different marks, colours and dyes in the print shop. 

Trip to butterflies!

As my designs for the last hand-in were all paper, I’m very focused on making sure that doesn’t happen with the next hand in. I’m a textiles student, handing in paper designs feels wrong to me, however as a student fabrics become too expensive sometimes haha. 

So first things first for the new term – let’s go buy some fabrics! After what seemed like hours browsing Butterflies we finally came out with fabrics that I think we’re all happy with. I had to keep my colour pallet in mind, however i also had to remember that I wanted to dye my own fabrics too, however i did buy two coloured fabrics, whoch were a light blue satin, and a two toned silver chiffon. I also bought a colourless chiffon ready to dye in a navy dye bath.  I’m confident in saying these fabrics fit in well with my colour pallette but also fit in well with my chosen designs.

reaction to feedback 

Having recieved my feedback form for term 2,  l can’t say I’m overly happy with the comments I’ve recieved, and it’s clear that I have some improving to do. A mixup occurred with my portfolio and therefore I was unable to hand my deliverables in a portfolio, and I accept that was unproffesional wholeheartedly and it definitely wont happen again. 

Although I’m not happy with my feedback, I completely agree with it, I know there were issues with my designs such as my colour ways, and the last term proved to me that my skills do not lie within digital design, and so the next term will be completely focused on bettering my ‘hands-on’ skills, which is something I’m looking forward to.

Edited Hypothetical Commission Brief

As we’re now back into our subject areas I thought it’d make sense to re-look at my written brief and go over it after my experiences in field. Unlike some, there’s only a few tweaks that have been made to mine as I was already happy with it, but having taken Helen’s comments into consideration I have changed a few minor details, and hopefully will be able to successfully create a body of work fitting for my brief.

Bethan Davies

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Hypothetical design brief 2014/15

Aims:

To create a compilation of textiles designs for fashion based textile designer Elie Saab under the theme of Winter romanticism for the season Autumn/Winter 2015/2016

Objectives:

• To explore and document the theme of winter romanticism thoroughly and produce a series of designs fit for said theme.
• To look into and report on the targeted market of high end couture fashion for celebrities and formal events.
• To summerise all relevant aspects of the conception on a series of visually inspiring mood boards.
• To produce and log a body of fashion textile designs experimenting with different techniques as appropriate for the chosen theme, company and season.
• To creatively develop a variety of ideas using methods such as lasercutting, embroidery, digital stitch and fabric dying.
• To produce a selection of samples and croquis designs on a range of appropriate substrates to include fabric and or papers.
• To present a final collection of designs some of which demonstrate a variety of skills and designs fitting for the theme and season.
• To present a final collection of designs demonstrating co-ordinating design groups, and understanding of the chosen company’s style and an understanding of colour and season trends.
• To illustrate and present selected designs for fashion in situ, as CAD visuals.

Introduction to clarify the context and market/client

I’ve been inspired by Elie Saab when I was introduced to his work whilst previously researching textiles for fashion, I was enticed by his subtle yet visually stunning designs. I was then influenced by his Autumn/Winter 2013/14 collection to research further into his work. The chosen theme of Winter romanticism is something that I think will suit Saabs signature look but something that I can also add a taste of my personality to in an effective way. Saab is well known as being a designer for royalty and celebrities, having created pieces for various European royalties and celebrities for formal events, so this would be the proposed clientele. However, Saab also has ready-to-wear collections aimed, still at a high end market however these collections are sold in Saab boutiques around the world, making them more accessible to the public. The ready-to-wear collections would be less formal, and more day to day base which is something I’m also interested in producing designs for. The main reason for chosing Saab as the company for the brief is that in doing so, it will allow myself to create a series of feminine and aesthetically appealing designs.

Research

I will be researching into Elie Saabs previous collections via his website in order to gain a better understanding of his signature look and style. However I will also be researching into my chosen season and relevant trends using WGSN as my main source. I also plan on visiting the Elie Saab boutique to get a clear understanding of his ready-to-wear collections, and any other collections he might have in-store. I am also hoping to contact Saab in order to gain primary research and a better understanding of his fabric choices, design methods, and his policies on environmental issues, if any.

My proposal

I will create a collection of designs for fashion based textiles mainly for formal dresses as I feel this is the best representation of Saabs label for Autumn/Winter 2015/16. These designs will be inspired by the chosen theme of ‘Winter Romanticism’ and will have an on trend colour palette inspired by upcoming colour trends, but also tying in wintery and cooler colours. I will be sure to keep up with current trends using a variety of websites throughout the project such as WGSN, and will be sure to keep myself updated on Saabs upcoming collections in order to preserve my understanding of approach to various seasons and themes. I will also carry out visual research in my drawings, photography, and through the internet and libraries.

Schedule

Having only a few weeks to complete this brief it is crucial that I work efficiently and keep myself organized throughout this project. Meaning planning a day by day schedule and keeping to it perfectly in order to make sure that I produce a clean and well thought out set of designs. If the schedule is not kept to, it could effect my work, which is why I must ensure that my time management is on point during this project.