Week 3

This week we focussed on designing, where we had to finish the week with a capsule collection of five looks, but before designing the collection I started by looking at shapes, for this I picked one shape that related to me so this was my birth sign which is Virgo and is a similar shape to an 'M' I chose this shape as it has lots of curves in it so after cutting out 20 A4 size symbols I took them to a manikin, but before I started arranging them on a manikin I worked with 4 other peoples shapes, I enjoyed doing this as I was able to work with a variety of shapes in different ways, and whilst I did this 4 other people worked with my shapes, this helped as it showed me many different ways I could work with the same shape. I then started to work with my own shapes on the manikin, I created 6 different looks through a variety of ways by manipulating the shapes or the way I placed them on the manikin such as layering, placing them sideways, upside down or even changing the shape by folding. I really enjoyed doing this as I hadn't worked in this way before but it allowed me to explore a different way of designing as after this I chose 2 of my favourite looks and created 3 designs inspired by them.

Then I looked at my designs and picked one recurring shape which was a scallop shape then I used this shape as the focus for a series of quick designs I did, so for this I created a page of pockets, trousers, skirts, sleeves and collars that all included the scallop shape in one form or another. I liked doing this task as it was a quick way to coming up with initial ideas and as they were quick thought I didn't think or focus so much on them which allowed the designs to be freer and less restricted. I then developed these initial ideas by designing whole garments and looks which lead me onto creating the capsule collection. I really enjoyed designing the collection as I picked one key feature which was the use of the scallop shape and sheer fabrics and then 4 colours.

 Although what I found with designing the collection was that it was different from my usual style as I tried to make it more commercial as opposed to more couture style that I usually opt for. Which I think in future I will decide to stay with my usual style however I am pleased that I explored a different way as it has allowed me to develop my skills.  I also showed the collection to my tutor and peers where I feel that the feedback was to develop my presentation skills such as try to differentiate the different types of fabrics used. I also had to create flats of the garments I had designed, I had never done this before but after initially finding it difficult I soon was able to improve, yet after working through the difficulty of that task I did find it to be very time consuming as although I did meet my deadline I believe that some things were rushed, therefore to prevent this from happening I think I will work at a more productive pace.

Overall this week I am pleased with the work I produced however I do feel disappointed in my final designs, but I do feel that from this week I will be able to develop my skills.