How it looks like in a room

I loved how they came out, I loved the contrast in colours in the first two rooms. I feel if Iris Van were to put it into a room, it would stand out like that. I also wanted to try something different as you can see in the last picture. Although it looks very busy, I feel maybe if the chair was a different colour it would blend really well. I enjoyed using Photoshop a lot for this activity and it was thrilling looking for a particular room as I have always liked looking into interiors.

As you can see in these two pictures, I used Photoshop to change the shape of the chair. I also like it elongated too, It gives it a sense of royalty to it.

Final Design

I chose this chair design because I feel it is something that would be created if Iris Van Herpen were to collaborate with Conran. It's not too extravagant, simple but edgy. Its perfect for Conrans market aswell as Iris Van Herpens. I was gutted I could not choose other shapes also because I feel I had other great shapes too. However, this one suited most. Below, I drew the chair out in exact measurements, this helped in terms of making it as a 2d prototype.

Below, is when I traced it onto card and constructed it into a a 2d prototype. I am eager to see how it would look like in a room and will use Photoshop to do this.

Final Design Ideas

Now that I have decided a chair is what I want to design, its just a matter of designing the chair and choosing what shapes would work well with it. At this point I am undecided in which shape I want to choose so will use a vary and choose in the end which one I like best.

Extracting shapes

In today's lesson, we were extracting shapes from our gathered research on our chosen artist. I didn't think I would enjoy this task as much as I did. It was interesting to look at detailing on a garment instead of the actual garment as a whole. Once I done a couple sketches and drawings, I thought of how I would incorporate it onto furniture. Because the shapes were extracted from Iris Van Herpen's work it made it more realistic as if it were something that would be designed by her. I came up with a number of shapes and patterns that I could potentially work with. At this point I am thinking of lights as a final product or a chair. Although I would not be able to actually make it, I can still make a small prototype that would demonstrate how it would actually look like. Below are a couple pages including the shapes:

 In these two pictures, I liked how the shapes looked like broken glass. I could possibly use this shape and develop it further by incorporating it into a homeware product. At this stage, I am sure I want to design a chair.

If I were to do this activity again, I would maybe zoom in a lot more and look at the minute detailing of her work and then blow it up.

Iris Van Herpen for Conran

We were given time in class to research designers and brands. I researched artists like Alexander Mcqueen, Holly Fulton etc. However, I came across Iris Van Herpen. I found her designs to be extraordinary, I liked how they were so unique and I immediately knew it was the designer I wanted to choose.

Iris Van Herpen is a Dutch fashion designer. Her fashion designs always express an interest in other art forms and in a general curiosity of the world beyond fashion. She is constantly experimenting with materials, techniques and technologies. 'Sculptural' is a word used to describe her work and she also explores 3d printing. Her designs follow, complete and change the the body and the emotions that accompany it, the body adapts and adopts the new forms. I love this about her designs.

Below are a couple pictures of her work:

Now that I have chosen my designer, it is time to choose my brand. I was adamant to choose a completely different brand that may not even be a fashion brand. This is because I am eager to see the outcome of two completely different things coming together. I then researched into sports brand, homeware brands etc. This was something that caught my eye as I was always interested in interiors. Immediately, things like limited edition wallpapers came into my head. Having done some more research in homeware brands, I came across Conran.

Conran was founded by Terence Conran in 1974. The Conran Shop has grown to be one of the leading  lifestyle retailers in the world offering unique hand picked blend of gifts, furniture, lighting and home accesories. From iconic classics to inimitable exclusives, vintage style to contemporary designs. Simple functionality, considered design and the latest innovation are the foundation of their philosophy.

I chose Conran as they already stored unique pieces of furniture that can not really be found in other types of home ware stores as they were pieces that were not as practical but instead aimed towards customers with high disposable income and want furniture as an art piece instead of an every day piece. I thought since Iris Van Herpen does not usually create garments that is usual for people to wear everyday, it would make sense for the two to work together.

Fashion Meets Product - Mindmap

So, today we were given the brief to this project. Its basically choosing a designer, extracting shapes from their current designs and then designing a complete different product for another brand. I am super excited to start it. Below is a mindmap that I quickly did. It is probably my favourite page because I did it in 2 minutes and its basically my thought process after having read the brief. If I had done this mindmap again I would probably have done it in pen and neatly but thats why I like it because mindmaps should naturally flow instead of being very structured.

Fashion Meets Product - My 4th Trip - Paul Smith Exhibition

For this project we were briefed to visit 'The Paul Smith' exhibition in the Design Museum before we started this next project. Getting there was slightly challenging as the museum was situated in an awkward place. However, when I got there I really enjoyed the experience and was excited to start the project.

Paul Smith has established himself  as a leading and uniquely British designer. He is renowned for his creative spirit, which combines tradition and modernity. Famous for its clothing and accessories collections, Paul Smith specialises in an inventive use of traditional craftsmanship and cutting edge design to create beautifully made, desirable modern pieces. Paul Smith has collaborated with many brands to design things such as cameras, rugs, water bottles etc whilst putting his own style to it.

Having visited his exhibition I found out a lot about him and what he does, the collaboration he does with other brands is very inspiring. It made me realise that that could also be a good way to gain exposure of himself and gain income.

Below are some pics I took of the exhibition and put in my sketchbook: his collection was interesting and unusual too, like he would have a shark teeth inspired print on a shirt.

I took pictures of his catwalk invites etc, it was interesting to see his invites especially since my last project I researched into them. The exhibition also included a small room of his workspace as you can see in the bottom picture. This was all very interesting as it displays what his life is about.

Below, is his collaborations that he has done with other brands. I noticed they all incorporated his trademark stripes and multicoloured patterns. I think they represented his positive personality and it was so people would instantly know who designed it. I find the collaboration between designers and brands is very interesting. I especially liked his collaboration with Evian where he designed a glass bottle with multicoloured stripes going across the bottle.

Final Catwalk + Catwalk Invite

Below is the completed Catwalk. I am extremely pleased with the way it has turned out. It was challenging trying to put everything together, for e.g. the seats, curtains and making sure they are cropped well and fit into the picture. However, it worked out in the end and I thoroughly enjoyed using Photoshop. If I were to do this differently, I think I would have done the ticket differently. I would have done it on plastic instead of paper so have engraved writing on the ticket and also laser cut the logo or writing. This is mostly because its different than most tickets and it would differentiate the brand from its competitors.

Below is the completed Catwalk invite (the front and the back). As you can see I have used a completely different font to represent the masculinity of the concept as well as their trademark font to still represent their brand. I used one of the layouts we all agreed on as a team and it was just a case of constructing it all together on Photoshop

Overall, I am thoroughly pleased with how the project turned out, everything went according to plan. We even won 'best collaboration' award. Not only have I gained knowledge on different areas of fashion promotion but I have also gained great team working skills.

Behind The Scenes: Photoshop

Below are a couple pictures I took whilst in the process of creating the catwalk and invites:

Before I scanned it in Photoshop I found it was slightly difficult making sure I get measurements right but I quickly got the hang of it.

Catwalk Moodboards

So before I get stuck into creating the catwalk as well as the catwalk invites, I put together a few moodboards:

 Stage

 Mood/Lighting

Props

Catwalk Research and Planning

So, having researched and planned the catwalk invites, it was now time to look at the catwalk. At first I was a little nervous with the idea of creating a catwalk however, the more I researched into it, I felt a little at ease with the process of designing it. I looked at a vary of catwalks, most of which are printed out onto my sketchbook. I found that some catwalks have very little lighting and is kept quite dark. I found this mostly on a Mens catwalk. Some have very extravagant lighting. Some are very theatrical and use curtains etc, some have patterns layed across the catwalk or the walls. I liked each idea of the many catwalks I saw and felt I wanted to incorporate each idea but make it our own and combining it with our concept. As It represented the outer layer of the man I definately wanted it to be very dark and mysterious. Again, I discussed this with my team and we were all very happy with the sketches.

Below are just some of the catwalks I designed in my sketchbook that were potential finals:

My team and I came to the conclusion that the above catwalk sketch would be most suitable and therefore I will create it using Photoshop. I am quite nervous as to how it will come out but I am positive the final outcome will look good. I will first have to draw it out neatly and scan into Photoshop.

Ticket Planning: Font + Layout

 I thoroughly enjoyed creating the tickets, I think it was because of the numerous fonts I could choose from, it was fun to mix and match the layouts etc. It was also fun to try out different fonts however, I had to bear in mind the brand as well as the concept of course. Things I would never have thought of for e.g. the font sizing, layout are all things that have to be considered so I learnt a lot.

At this point, I was adamant on choosing black and white as the colour theme because the brand is very dark itself and not a lot of colour is used. Moreover, I wanted it to connect with the concept also. I wanted the catwalk as well as the invite to represent the outer layer of the man being very emotionless, quite dark and masculine. I also thought the font I was having a look at was suitable with the concept.

Before having made this decision, I called forward a meeting of our group and we all decided that it would work well. I am now happy with how it is going so far and I cant wait to use Photoshop now and start creating it.

I had to incorporate the logo aswell that is associated with the brand so it was interesting to play around with it and decide the layout, how prominent it should be, how big, how small etc.

Ticket Inspiration

Below are a couple pictures I put together, they are all research and inspiration. I chose these tickets in particular because they maybe had something that got my attention. Whether it be the layout that I thought was suitable, or the colour scheme or even the font. All in all, it gave me an idea of what is supposed to be on a ticket and what is not.

Fashion Promotion: Mindmap

So, having done research on the initial concept, it is now time to do research on our allocated roles. I am so excited to thoroughly research catwalks and catwalk invites as I have never done it before. To be clear with with what I need to do I always do a mindmap as I find it helps. As I am looking at the catwalk and ticket invites I thought there's going to be several important things I will have to talk a look at for e.g. Font, colour etc. This is all so important to consider as I have to bear in mind the brand Comme Des Garcon and if it will suit. But also, it would have to work with our concept.

Below is a screenshot of the mindmap:

Group moodboard

So, as a group we thought it was best if we all did some research on the concept just so we are comfortable and familiar with the concept before we go off and do our own research based on our allocated roles. This was great as it not only gave use the opportunity to mesh well as a group but it reassured us all that everyone was confident with the concept and knew what they were doing. So, we took a trip to the library and looked at magazines, books etc to find pictures for a moodboard.

Below is the completed moodboard:

I feel the moodboard does construct the message behind the concept really well, we managed to find great pictures and we were all really happy with the outcome of the moodboard. We then gave each other times by which to complete our own research and we would then show each other what we did. I feel this is so important in a group as it is reassuring the project is going smoothly as we were on a time limit because the project was only 2 weeks.

Comme Des Garcon

I feel before we go even further into the project it is important to know more about the designer we are working for and the kind of brand they are.

Below is just a few background research I did:

Comme Des Garcon was founded in 1969 and is french for 'Like Boys'. It is a Japanese fashion label founded and designed by Reikawakubo. Since 2004, Comme Des Garcon has developed a market based department store concept, stocking its main collections, its other brands such as 'Shirt' and 'Play' and also a range of international designers. Its original market store, called Dover Street Market is in Mayfair, London. Commes Des Garcons predominantly uses the colour black and distressed fabrics.

Industry Project: Mindmap and Initial Concept

There's 2 more projects left till we break for Christmas. This is the industry project where we choose a designer and then get put in groups of about 8 to work as a team for that particular designer. Each person is then allocated a role within that team whether it be designer, accessories, textiles, or promotion etc. We were also given quotes that we had to choose from and from this we would come up with a concept to work with.

So, I chose to work with designer Commes Des Garcon as well as the rest of the people in my group. I ended up with the promotion role although I slightly wanted to do designer. This is because of the exploratory stage where I did not particularly enjoy creating a fashion film and photoshoot as well as the styling week where we had to do a photoshoot because I feel styling and photography is not really my strong point. However, we were told that a photoshoot and fashion film is not all we had to do, there were other things we could look at for e.g. having a look at the catwalk, and ticket invites. This was exciting as I had not even thought about it, it just made me realise there was more to promotion than just doing a photoshoot and fashion film. Within the team there was another person who was allocated the promotion role. We had a small meeting and came to the decision that she was going to look at the photoshoot and fashion film especially since she knew some people that would be great for the look and I would take care of the catwalk and invites.

I was then so excited to immediately research into catwalks etc. However, we had to come up with a concept first. The quote we chose to work with is:

''All that is solid melts into air, all that is holy is profaned, and men at last are forced to face with sober sense the real conditions of their lives and their relations with their fellow men''. (The Communist Manifesto).

Below is a mindmap and the initial concept that we came up with as a group:

  

The concept is Morals & Honesty and looking at the exterior of a man and stripping it away till we get to the interior. As a layer is stripped off they become more feminine. We compared this to an onion as you peel off layers.

Our group had the most amount of people in it roughly about 9, so it was difficult for every single person to get a word in especially since every one in the group was excited and eager to do the project well. However, we all managed to work really well with coming up with the concept, some ideas we HAD to choose and some ideas we couldn't really do as it did not suit well. We all agreed that whenever someone wanted to modify something about the project or came up with a new idea, we would have a meeting and everyone would be notified. It was interesting to work in a team with this many people and I feel this experience would be useful for when we hopefully one day work within the industry.

Final Piece (Fashion Film)

I feel I made a big mistake planning the fashion film using the storyboard method that I am used to. I feel it affected the outcome of my fashion film greatly. I was focusing too much on the variation of shot types and making sure I have different angles on certain shots rather than thinking its supposed to be a 'fashion' film rather than just a film. It was probably because I was so used to filming it like I had done in college in Media. However, I have learnt from this hugely and will take in consideration for next project that it needn't be so detailed like a film and it can be quite vague as long as the shots match and flow.

For e.g. the concept was a young girls ambition to be a fashion designer
 What I had done was include
-shots of a girl doing fashion illustrations
-shots of her making the clothes
-shots of her getting ready, putting on makeup
-shots of makeup
-shots of her then modelling it

It made it look like a film or almost a documentary which was not ideal

If I was to do it differently I would take out the parts where she is getting ready etc and maybe change locations.

Below is the video:

Final Piece (Photoshoot)

Below, is the final 4 images that I kept from roughly over 20. However, out of the 4 I prefer the top two. Although I feel like the image below has what I wanted to achieve through the moodboards I do feel like it was not a strong enough image. I think it could be due to location or styling. If I could improve it I probably would change this. I feel like it didnt have the wow factor and I probably did not enjoy the final piece as opposed to the photoshoot that I enjoyed doing at Styling week. I think it was because of the fact that I had made the neck piece, Im not entirely sure.