FMP Illusration

This week I have been trying different medias and techniques in which I could create a visionary illustration of my final dress design. I tried using things such as collage, fabric, emulsion paint, glue gun and stitch, I decided on using a combination of medias; ink and stitch. As my theme is tailoring and angles, I used the ink with an old, run out fine liner dipped in the ink, after discovering the effect just messing around cleaning the pen. I gives a scratchy sharpness to the image which works well with my theme. After trying the technique multiple times I chose the most successful. Although the illustration is successful I felt it needed something else for the wow factor. I looked through my sketch book at different medias I had used, and like the stitch media. I then took my illustration and stitched in straight lines, stopping at points with my needle in and pivoting to create sharp angles over the illustration tying in my theme of tailoring and angles. I am going to use this process for my final A2 illustration board.

Please see my illustration below.

Plastic Success

When I designed the shoulder silhouette for my final design, I didn't have a clue how I was going to achieve it, all I knew was I wanted it! After avoiding this situation by leaving it until last, I knew the time had come... After structuring the shoulder section by experimenting with medium weight interfacing I knew I had a challenge on my hands. I tried using buckram, which was better but still it looked limp. Although it held its shape, it didn't hold the position that I wanted. I wanted sharp, high and big! So it was suggested that I look at sheets of plastic. After cutting round my original paper pattern I unpicked the centre seam on the shoulder structure and slotted the pieces in. The result was exactly what I was looking for.. A MIRACLE.

Final Design

This is my final design. I developed this design by adding seams to visually represent the angles inspiration, the seams also were added for an extra tight fit and to show the contours of the body. The collar and shoulder have been sharpened and lengthened, and piping has been added around the lapels to give a clean, sharp and tailored look. The piping on the lapels is black silk, contrasting the matte fabric choice of the collar. The back of the garment wraps over, taking further inspiration from the tailored dinner jacket and creates a natural split. I am now ready to manufacture my design, my first thoughts were OH MY GOD. But thankfully I found a way of working it out.

Design Development

I developed my initial design by taking more inspiration from a tailored dinner jacket. I sharpened the angles of the shoulder silhouette and shortened them in length to experiment with different shapes. I then added a dinner jacket inspired collar (with lapels) on to the back of the garment. I like the idea of lapels at the back, but they weren't as sharp as I wanted. The collar stand is now visible as a neck piece at the front. I will use red silk for the collar stand to tie in my original theme, lust.

Initial Design

This is my initial design, influenced by angles, tailoring and power. The deep V featured on the back of my design was inspired by a dinner jacket collar. The shoulder silhouette was inspired by the shoulder pads used in power dressing from the likes of Margret Thatcher. This is my first attempt at designing a visionary garment. I am happy with the result but would like to develop it further.

Target Market

My customer is a 25-35 year old woman, working behind the scenes in the music industry. She is single, has no children and lives in lively Camden Town, London. She takes a maximum of 2 holidays a year to the Caribbean to relax from her hectic schedule. She wears size 8-10 and shops at designer vintage stores around the city. She shops on impulse and has her own unique style, she is not trend driven or brand loyal. She will buy outfits for occasions such as album launch parties or award ceremonies. Her spending bracket is £500 -£2000. Her favourite designers are Alexander McQueen and  Gareth Pugh. She reads Kerrang, NME, Q, Vogue and Dazed and Confused. She admires Michael Jackson, Tom Jones and Amy Winehouse as they are highly respected in the music industry.