From the work produced with the workshop on Tuesday we were asked to give feedback on a coursemates work they had produced that day. This was a good chance to see how other people work and approach they have taken to the theme. The feedback i gained from my work included looking at other shapes rather than just focussing on the body- although they commented on how my idea was very original. Also to continue producing larger samples to cover the whole body not just part of it- whole garment silhouettes. Finally to use the sewing machine more in making toiles and samples- giving me a better understanding of how to construct my final piece.
On Thursday it was the first day I was contracted to work with a first year student from our course. I really enjoyed my day considering I didn’t get to do anything to exciting. It was a nice change and good insight to all the elements that have to come together when producing a final collection. I helped Rebecca prepare blocks for her garments while gaining a good perspective on what its like to work for someone else- this seems to make me work harder as there’s a bit of pressure to impress- its easier to disappoint myself than someone else. This makes me excited for my work placement next year.
Throughout the day I tried to ask plenty of questions about the transition into second year and how the course develops over the three years. I need to prepare myself to work hard. She asked me to join her to her photoshoot for her collection in Manchester in a couple of weeks, which will be a good opportunity to learn a lot. I hope to do a lot more throughout the weeks as this week I just prepared blocks and fetched materials and equipment.
I like the avant garde stance towards this project, giving me the freedom to experiment. The area I want to focus on within the metamorphosis theme is the idea of decay along with deformity and disease. Through research over easter I liked how this is destructive and negative topic can be transformed into a aesthetic garment. I choose this theme as I found it to be an alternative viewpoint and would be quite original as well as giving me scope with shape and surface detail.
I really need to start opening my mind to pattern cutting a bit more, as I can’t put my ideas to life without it. This will influence the shape ideas, as some shapes are not possible or suited to particular fabric when constructed. I want to produce a well-constructed garment, bringing together everything I have learnt over the year so far.
Below are some initial large scale 3D samples i have produced;
This first week back after easter has definitely been an eventful one. First day back was the hand in for Fashion, Art and Culture. Due to the extension this project had dragged on a bit, finding myself a bit bored and frustrated with how to improve the project on the whole. I managed to produce a good body of research as well as being quite pleased with my final image reflecting what I’d touched upon. My evaluation for the project included myself enjoying the freedom of this project with the idea of it being a cross disciplinary approach to fashion. I have always taken a fine art approach to my work and found this a good opportunity to take this further, having few restrictions in terms of subject area, construction and presenting a final outcome. I enjoyed exploring how much fashion; art and culture integrate, giving me room to explore my own personal response rather than working to meet a particular target market. Through researching past and present works from fashion and art disciplines I have managed to create a contemporary and innovative argument within my final image.
I chose to focus on the cultural communities/identities theme where I mixed elements of globalization through examples of traditional dress from Japan and Poland coming together to form a cultural mix representing the cross section of cultures within Britain today. The subject lacks individuality as their identity was hidden acting as the victim of capitalist control with the feeling of always being watched and controlled. This was also incorporated within a metal corset and shoulder pieces where appropriate imagery was used in conveying a negative image of this lack of individuality. This is a very literal take on the subject area, thus to communicate a clear message within the image. This negative take on contemporary society is linked to the issue of status frustration and how national identity is being lost.
I found the use of metal effective with a heavy reliance on stereotypes within traditional dress for example the kimono sleeve within Japanese culture. The use of traditional dress also allows for comparisons to be made between the past the present.
With the many elements within the subject area I have chosen to cover it was hard to bring them together coherently, although the aim for the final outcome was for it to look purposely awkward and mismatched to illustrate how globalization has allowed cultural mix to emerge- Britain itself is a big mismatch of identity.
From referring back to my original idea I have successfully kept to my argument and intention, yet allowed for my ideas to develop so I could experiment with materials and approaches. I am happy with my final image. I feel it’s an effective composition with good use of light and mise en scene. If I were to do it again I would possibly change the arrangement of the subject, with them acting more centrally to create a stronger image although a submissive subject more clearly communicates the intention of the image. I feel this can be well applied to the online gallery.
I definitely gained a lot from this project and enjoyed it on the whole, it was a good eye opener to the creativity of fashion which I want to translate into future work. I felt I managed my time well and I have successfully improved on this throughout the year. My favourite project so far!
