It Was Acceptable in the 80's...

Dressed for the 80's (Source: Facebook- http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150382962190006&set=a.10150268103670006.486120.602640005)

…So why isn’t it now? Why has street fashion become less exciting after the 1980’s? The 60’s, 70’s and 80’s saw many different and exciting styles in dress, the 60’s brought about the ‘Space Age’ styles of Andre Courreges, Mary Quant liberated women with the miniskirt, BIG hair psychedelic colours, faux furs and plastic raincoats. The 70’s introduced Punks, glam-rock, David Bowie, flares, leotards and platform shoes. The 80’s brought around men in make-up, Madonna, spandex dancewear, New Romantics and acid washed jeans.

Andre Courreges, 'Space Age' Fashion, 1960's (Source: http://kazucopy.wordpress.com/2010/06/13/long-live-courreges/)

Adam Ant, 1980's (Source: http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/yradish/41634/the-new-romantics-playlist/)

For the past decade we have been revisiting styles from past decades- skinny jeans, leotards, hi-top trainers, neon, horn-rimmed glasses, loafers, leggings and parkas. I don’t see anything wrong with revisiting these fashions, as I myself love to wear skinny jeans, hi-tops and most of the styles that we have revisited the past decade, however, it does not seem like the 00’s really had an identity that was new and amazing like those from the 60’s-80’s, its identity was more about recycling previous styles. We recently had a party where the theme was 80’s. Everyone went all out- bright make-up, big hair, spandex, drainpipes, sweatbands, hi-tops, double denim, you name it, someone was wearing it! It was amazing! I had so much fun, even before the party just getting all glammed up. You could see that everyone was loving it, and they all look totally awesome!

"Video Killed the Radio Star!" (Source: Facebook-

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150382962190006&set=a.10150268103670006.486120.602640005#!/photo.php?fbid=499729331274&set=a.499728971274.270660.557101274)

"Gold! Gold! Always Believe in Your Soulllll!" (Source: Facebook-

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"When You Call My Name, It's Like A Little Prayer!" (Source: Facebook-

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150382962190006&set=a.10150268103670006.486120.602640005#!/photo.php?fbid=499729796274&set=a.499728971274.270660.557101274)

"Eye Of the Tiger!" (Source: Facebook-

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150382962190006&set=a.10150268103670006.486120.602640005#!/photo.php?fbid=499731166274&set=a.499728971274.270660.557101274)

"Let's Get Physical, Physical!" (Source: Facebook-

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150382962190006&set=a.10150268103670006.486120.602640005#!/photo.php?fbid=499732016274&set=a.499728971274.270660.557101274)

"It Was Acceptable in the 80's" (Source: Facebook-

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?id=557101274&aid=270660#!/photo.php?fbid=499730036274&set=a.499728971274.270660.557101274&pid=6607167&id=557101274)

"Let's Do It Like They Do On the Discovery Channel!" (Source: Facebook-

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?id=557101274&aid=270660#!/photo.php?fbid=499729906274&set=a.499728971274.270660.557101274)

"The Final Countdown!" (Source: Facebook-

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?id=557101274&aid=270660#!/photo.php?fbid=10150386345865156&set=a.10150296465120156.532803.713955155)

"Ice, Ice Baby!" (Source: Facebook- http://www.facebook.com/album.php?id=557101274&aid=270660#!/photo.php?fbid=499729856274&set=a.499728971274.270660.557101274)

I’m hoping that the coming decade sees another major change in fashion that will be as memorable as the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s are now 40 years down the line. Staying with the philosophy of the 00’s fashion- revisiting fashions of past decades, but putting a new twist on it, being more Avant-Garde, more exciting, more different, but with more individuality. Perhaps an even more futuristic turn on the Space-Age style of the 60’s, creative, over-the-top make-up on men and women, insane hairstyles with unconventional colourings and adornments, something a lot more exciting! Lady Gaga, for example- individual, different and very exciting!

Final Piece for Foundation FMP 'Futuristic Sportswear' (made by me, May 2010)

Final Piece for Foundation FMP 'Futuristic Sportswear' (made by me, May 2010)

Gray's Anatomy

Skeletal Leotard Front (made December 2010)

My final garment is based on the human skeleton, specifically the ribcage. The theme came from elements of the textile artist Caroline Broadsheet, who inspired the loose pleats that form the appearance of a ribcage on the torso front. The garment is made from a skirt, baggy blouse and a dress top. I made the garment a leotard because wanted to keep the silhouette the basic human form. The loose sleeves form the shape of a forearm bone in the silhouette and the ruffles add texture as well as the appearance of bones down the hips and the pattern on the skirt fabric creates a rib-like appearance down the back of the garment.

Skeletal Leotard Front (made December 2010)

I am happy with the overall design of the garment, however, I feel the construction could be improved as I found making it on the mannequin difficult as it was the first time I’ve done this. I should have also put facings around the neckline and leg holes and used a longer zip so that the waistline would fit over the hips.

An Artistic Approach...

I find illustrations to be a good way to express how garments could be worn, how the fabric lays on or drapes from the body and to present an idea of the fabric textures in a design. In these three of my illustrations, two show a representation of fur. I particularly like watercolour paints to show fur because they represent texture as soft, smooth and ‘fluffy’ in a flat and subtle way. I feel the tearing paper method has its advantages to in that it is obvious that it is representing the appearance of fur in a larger scale, but the texture appears to be rough and stiff. I like the use of an animal’s head or simply parts of an animal’s face upon a human head, such as the eyes, because they add surrealism to the illustration and make it appear more interesting to look at because it is different. This technique would also be effective in illustrations of garments that are made from faux animal skins, hides and furs, such as leathers (bulls or buffalos head), or adorned with feathers, such as peacock feathers (peacock head).

Representation of fur in layerd torn paper (Made by me (Parcel Paper), November 2010)

Laura Laine-style Illustration (Drawn by me (2B Pencil), November 2010)

Illustration of a Fur Jacket using layering, collage and continuous line techniques (Drawn by me, (Black Fineliner, Watercolor Paint), November 2010)

Illustration of a Satin Skirt and Knitted Wool Cardigan using mixed medias, including collage (Drawn by me (Parcel Paper, Masking Tape, Watercolour Paint and Oil Pastel), Novemeber 2010)

Two of my favourite fashion illustrators are Laura Laine and Jasper Goodall. I like Laine’s use of tone on long-legged, skinny stylized figures and how there is clearly a lot of time spent on the detail of the hair and pattern and drape of the fabrics. 

Laura Laine Illustration (Source: http://littlewillow.com/200802)

'Artemis', Laura Laine Illustration (Source: http://www.phantasmaphile.com/200803/laura-laine.html)

I like how Goodall uses abstract figures (some with animal heads) to create odd silhouettes whilst at the same time allowing the figures to have a slight 3D effect through either shines of light to show fluid surfaces, or through photographic elements. Another interesting aspect of his illustrations is that each is life size, with only the top of the body down to about halfway down the thighs drawn. He does this so that the images can be then photographed being held by a model wearing leg-wear and shoes that make it appear as though the image is coming to life.

Jasper Goodall Illustraion (Source: http://trendland.net/20081105/jasper-goodall-illustrations)

Jasper Goodall Illustration (Source: http://www.anewspace.infopage4.htm)

Il Etait Une Fois A Paris...

Eiffel Tower- Parc du Champ de Mars, Paris, France (Photograph taken by myself (November 2010)

Paris…a city full of art, fashion and culture, we saw it all! We climbed the Arc de Triomphe and Notre Dame, visited the Eiffel Tower at night, sipped coffee in a café at Montemarte and took a quaint little cruise down the Saine. The city truly is beautiful, with its neo-classical stone architecture, wide streets and array of stone statues.

Eiffel Tower- Parc du Champ de Mars, Paris, France (Photograph taken by myself (November 2010)

Arc de Triomphe, Paris, France (Photograph taken by myself (November 2010)

A Gargoyle of Notre Dame, Paris, France (Photograph taken by myself (November 2010)

One of my favourite places was the Musee du Louvre, which, in itself is an iconic landmark in Paris, previously being Palais du Louvre. Its enormous collection of art, sculpture and interiors make it a truly inspirational place. My favourite galleries in the museum were where the Egyptian, 17^th and 19^th

Centuries and Renaissance collections are located because I love these periods in time, especially Ancient Egypt and the Renaissance. I think that the photos I took in these galleries could prove inspirational for some of my future designs.

Sculpture in a Gallery at Musee du Louvre,  Paris, France (Photograph taken by myself (November 2010)

Egyptian Statuette in the Ancient Egyptian Antiquities Gallery at Musee du Louvre,  Paris, France (Photograph taken by myself (November 2010)

Stature of a Sphinx in the Ancient Egyptian Antiquities Gallery at Musee du Louvre,  Paris, France (Photograph taken by myself (November 2010)

17th Century Cabinet in the 17th Century Gallery at Musee du Louvre,  Paris, France (Photograph taken by myself (November 2010)

We also visited the Musee de la Mode et du Textile at the Louvre to see an exhibition on designer collections from the early 90’s to the present day. I really enjoyed this as I got to the work of my favourite designer, John Galliano’s work for Christian Dior. Unfortunately, none of the garments from my favourite collection (Spring 2004 Couture- Egyptian theme) were on display, I did get to see a spectacular gown from his Fall 2004 Couture collection (Austro-Hungarian Princess theme) which is another collection I particularly admire. It was amazing to actually see the very same couture garments that I first saw paraded down the runway in photos from Style.com and in shoots from fashion mags in reality, where you could almost reach out and touch them. The attention to detail in every garment I saw was of outstanding quality and I hope that I will be that good one day. The exhibition defiantly had a bigger impact on me than any other I have seen before.

Gown from Christian Dior's Fall 2004 Couture Collection displayed in the Musee de la Mode et Textiles, Paris, France (Designed by John Galliano (Photograph taken by me (November 2010)

Skirt and Jacket from Christian Dior's Fall 2005 Couture Collection displayed in the Musee de la Mode et Textiles, Paris, France (Designed by John Galliano (Photograph taken by me (November 2010)

Jean Paul Gaultier Metal Bustier displayed in the Musee de la Mode et Textiles, Paris, France  (Photograph taken by me (November 2010)

Close-up the corset detail on a designer dress displayed in the Musee de la Mode et Textiles, Paris, France (Photograph taken by me (November 2010)

 

"It's All About The Dance!"

Poster advertising the closing party for the 'Pure Pacha' nightclub in Ibiza (photo by me)

I stayed at my friends this weekend for her parents wedding and in her room I saw these three posters on her wall. They are advertisements for a club in Ibiza: 'Pure Pacha'. They caught my eye because I like they style of illustration used on them and the mix of dancing and circus themes in the posters is exciting. The style also reflects the Spanish background of the club, with the tea stain, almost stone-textured background and flamenco dancer figure. 

Poster advertising the 'Pure Pacha' nightclub in Ibiza (photo by me)

Poster advertising the 'Pure Pacha' nightclub in Ibiza (photo by me)

"Why Is A Raven Like A Writing Desk?"

'What You Waiting For?' Music Video (Full Version (2004) Stefani, G. Label: Interscope, Recorded: Henson Recording Studios, Writers: Stefani, G. and Perry, L. Produced: Hooper, N. (Video embedded from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdcObAQ5OOM&feature=artist) 

Scene from Tim Burton's Adaptation of 'Alice in Wonderland' (2010) for Disney (http://crushable.com/entertainment/2010-brings-fashion-with-alice-in-wonderland-tie-ins/)

‘Alice in Wonderland’ has always been a massive interest of mine. The 1951 Disney film is one of my all-time favourite Disney movies alongside ‘Beauty and the Beast’ (1991) and ‘The Lion King’ (1994), and I am currently reading the original book ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’ (1865) by Lewis Carroll. I have used ‘Alice in Wonderland’ as a theme in the past on my Foundation course last year, but unfortunately I did not get to construct the garment and I would like to re-visit the theme in the future to make a capsule collection.

Title Page of the Original Edition of 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland', Carroll, L. (1865) (http://www.alice-in-wonderland-book.com/history.htm)

DVD Cover of The Masterpiece Edition of 'Alice in Wonderland', Walt Disney (1951) (http://jackasscritics.com/movie.php?movie_key=351)

What I like about ‘Alice’ as a theme is that it is visually interesting and theatrical, and the nonsense nature of the story allows you to go in many directions. The theme can be moulded into multiple styles, for example, it could be portrayed as being very bold and ‘happy’ with bright, vibrant colours, or quite dark and dreary, with torn fabrics and muted or earthy colours, it could be combined with the style of historical periods, such as Baroque or Eighteenth Century, or it could be surreal and dramatic, but it is rarely ever going to be simple. It also allows a variety of different garment and accessory types:

·         eveningwear,

·         stage/ film costume,

·         show costume,

·         shoes,

·         jewellery,

·         couture,

·         bags,

·         hats,

·         underwear;

·         wedding wear;

·         hosiery,

·         nightwear.

'Alice in Wonderland' Fashion Photoshoot (http://www.vintagemint.com/category/fashion-beauty/)

'Drink Me' Necklace from Disney Couture's 'Alice in Wonderland' Collection (2010) (http://www.polyvore.com/disney_couture_alice_in_wonderland/thing?id=15205433)

I saw this Baroque-style dress on the first episode of ‘Wedding House’ on 4OD. I personally don’t think it is very suitable as a wedding outfit, but I like the style and the details on the outfit as a whole, the embroidery in the corset, the accents added to the outfit (watch and bottle) and the quilting in the jackets lapel with beading.

Baroque-Style 'Alice in Wonderland' Wedding Dress, Full View, 'Wedding House' Series 1, Episode 1, Channel 4, Tuesday October 5th 2010 (Screenshot from the Catch-Up Video on: http://www.channel4.com/programmes/wedding-house/4od#3126731)

Bride Sam Wearing Dress, 'Wedding House' Series 1, Episode 1, Channel 4, Tuesday October 5th 2010 (Screenshot from the Catch-Up Video on: http://www.channel4.com/programmes/wedding-house/4od#3126731)

Low Angle View Showing Skirt Detail, 'Wedding House' Series 1, Episode 1, Channel 4, Tuesday October 5th 2010 (Screenshot from the Catch-Up Video on: http://www.channel4.com/programmes/wedding-house/4od#3126731)

Jacket and Corset with Jewellery, 'Wedding House' Series 1, Episode 1, Channel 4, Tuesday October 5th 2010 (Screenshot from the Catch-Up Video on: http://www.channel4.com/programmes/wedding-house/4od#3126731)

Close-Up of Bottle Accessory on Bodice, 'Wedding House' Series 1, Episode 1, Channel 4, Tuesday October 5th 2010 (Screenshot from the Catch-Up Video on: http://www.channel4.com/programmes/wedding-house/4od#3126731)

Close-Up of Watch Accessory and Corset Detail, 'Wedding House' Series 1, Episode 1, Channel 4, Tuesday October 5th 2010 (Screenshot from the Catch-Up Video on: http://www.channel4.com/programmes/wedding-house/4od#3126731)

Gwen Stefani’s 2004 music video for her single ‘What You Waiting For?’ is based on Lewis Carroll’s novels ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’ (1865) and ‘Through the Looking-Glass’ (1871). Many of the costumes in the video are dresses designed by John Galliano, including the Red and White Queen’s dresses, which are from one of my favourite Dior Couture Collections designed by Galliano: Fall 2004.

Dress Worn for the 'Red Queen' in Stefani's 'What You Waiting For?' Music Video, Dior, C. by Galliano, J. Fall 2004 Couture Collection. (http://www.style.com/fashionshows/complete/slideshow/F2004CTR-CDIOR?event=show1241&designer=design_house27&trend=&iphoto=3)

Dress Worn for the 'White Queen' in Stefani's 'What You Waiting For?' Music Video, Dior, C. by Galliano, J. Fall 2004 Couture Collection. (http://www.style.com/fashionshows/complete/slideshow/F2004CTR-CDIOR?event=show1241&designer=design_house27&trend=&iphoto=23)