Great Week...

Well it's been a really good few days:
Last week I bought the rest of my fabrics- only 1 left to buy now, it's the loop-back sweat for 1 of the jackets.
Other than that, I bought the tie silks, jerseys and black twill for the trousers!

I've made 2 tops now, both bowties and 2pairs of jeans. They're looking great and the fit like a dream!
John (the daddy of textiles) has advised on using 'Fablon' (?) for the velvet bomber. That way I can laser cut the fabric pieces at heat press them into place- So I've decided on metallic gold leather for that! I'll be heading to the shop to get that soon so that'll be on its way! Whilst on the bomber- I've decided to lift an initial pattern off a jacket we have at home. It's the right fit, so should be a better guide than working from the book! Also, I've been offered assistance with knitting my own ribbing for the cuff and hem of the jacket, which means i'll be able to have a line of gold around it- fingers crossed!

In terms of the printing- I'm doing that tomorrow eve- that'll mean I can finish another two tops once that's done as well as having the labels printed for all the garments, so that'll be a weight off my mind!

Now that the jeans are working well, I'm going to keep going with them and try to get them all made now. Fingers crossed they'll keep going so smoothly!
I also decided to aim for more outffits- probably shooting myself in the foot here, but I think that if the making keeps going so smoothly, I should be able to get 8 outfits done! It means that the collection will look like a full range rather than a mini-range!
So all in all, a productive and beneficial week!I'll update as soon as anything changes and add photos as soon as I have chance!
thanks

Gay Paris

well, Paris was last week. We went for Premier Vision as well as to buy fabrics for the Collections. To be honest, I've already got plenty of my fabrics (though not all!) so only went for a browse, but still got a couple of things as the quality was so good and the price was so low!
I remember in the first year, we were advised that we should expect to spend several thousand £ on fabric in the final year! Some of the girls got their entire fabrics over there and I don't think anyone's spent anything like that which is good news!
I've still got a couple of fabrics left to get and it's frustrating me. There's one fabric I need fairly immediately and I've somehow not managed to get hold of it!
I also want a couple of jerseys for the tops within the range and I'm still after the loop-backed sweat for one fo the jackets too!
Other than that, fabric wise I'm sorted (!).
There are a couple of other things coming to light now thought that I need to sort out really soon;

The embroidery on the back of the black bomber- I'm hoping the textile department will be able to help out with the technique for that!

The printing for the tops and labels- Again I'm going to fish for pointers on silk screen printing for these-I know the garments are simple for them thought so I'd quite like to get those finished so that I'm at least making progress!
Lastly on the crafty query list is that I want to have the belt buckles made, but I think I know a man who knows a man, so that one might be possible too! Anyway...

In terms of making progess...

I've got the first top done (for the black collection), as well as a second top ready for the general collection. I've also done the pattern for the first jeans, so that should giude me with the other pairs (hopefully will make the following pairs quicker to make!) Also, I'm now on the third toile of the velvet bomber. The instructions from the Winifred Aldritch book are (surprise surprise) entirely wrong! That means it's taking me an age to perfect the garment. It's so frustrating!
Well I think that's it for the update for now,
I'll keep trucking on and try not to get too stressed!
I'll be back as soon as there's more to tell!

range finalised...

Above is an illusration of my proposed final collection. Its been another strange week, but I've finally got it to a stage where I'm fairly happy with the designs.
The outfit to the left of the colour palette is the ensemble for Alternative Fashion week. The garments that make up this outfit are split within the range (as shown to the right).
In terms of making, I've struggled again this week. I've been working on the initial jeans pattern and so far it's not going well. I based the pattern on the directions from Winifred Aldritch and they're so unwearable its ridiculous!
So back to the drawing board with that 1. I'm just mad that I've lost so much time on it!
Elsewhere things are going ok- feel like I'm falling behind overall, but I just need a good day or two then I'll be on a roll!

Off to Paris this week, so Ill lose 4 days work there, but I hope I can get plenty done before we leave!
Anyway- I think that's about it. All up to date again.
I think there's 24 garments to make now, so I'd better crack on!
I'll update if there's any developments.
Thanks

garment 1, check!

I've finished my 1st garment!
It's towards the Alternative Fashion Week collection, but will probably fit into my Grad Collection anyway.
It took me 4 toiles to get it to this point, and I'm actually really pleased with it! the fit's ok and the sewing is actually not bad!
I'll add images as soon as possible.
The next step is the trousers- I think I'll use a flat fronted formal trouser pattern and then amend it with the jeans details I want!
I'll update on how that goes!
Also been doing more research on the neckwear etc (ties and bowties)
Have got plenty of really good images and ideas now for that, so that means my sketchbook's coming together nicely again!
I have to get some presentation boards done over the next couple of days ready to update the lecturers with on Thursday!
That's about all for now, I'll post again with any developments
Thanks

blue beck!

I've had a rough couple of days work wise-
on Friday I started a really straight forward, simple toile with the intention of completing it, the pattern and several finished garments by now.
However, the toile went very wrong, and I'm still working on it now!
It's set me back a little and making me really doubt my skills and wonder if I should be doing a collection at all.
I did wonder about recruiting an expert machinist for the next couple of months to be at my beck and call and save me, but

1-I don't know who to ask,

2- I can't afford to pay and

3 I'm very stubborn and want to be on hand to point out any errors!

Basically, I'm going to muddle on and hopefully will be able to make something presentable eventually!
If I carry on like I am now, I might be dehidrated soon from all the blarting!
anyway-
I'll stop moaning now and get on with it!
thanks

RSA photoshoot

I did my RSA photoshoot last week, we went to the Georgian House Hotel on Ashbourne Road, Derby. The decor is gorgeous in there and was perfect for the style of shoot I wanted.
My muse was on hand to assit me and everything went really smoothly!
Here's the top three pics from the shoot, hopefully these'll be heading for the portfolio now:

Strange Day...

I'm not quite sure what Ive missed, or when I've missed it but there seems to have been some news floating round this morning about the Graduate Collections that I was unaware of.

Firstly, theres talk about funding being cut by the uni: I have a couple of specific issues with this, but in general, I think it's clear what the problems are here! Primarily I wonder where the allocated funds for GFW have gone (i believe it totalled around £13,000). If we're not holding our Grad Show there, surely the funds should be available for wherever we do hold the show!

Secondly, I was told, and later read that the Graduate Collections have now been limited to 4 outfits (!) I'm really confused and upset by this, so hopefully someone will be able to offer reasonable explanation and reasoning behind it- in the meantime, I'll carry on aiming toward 6-8 outfits, as intended. If the requirements of the module mean 4 outfits are needed to pass, then I still intend to surpass the brief and achieve my own personal targets.
There are a few other small things that are bothering me at the moment- I'm just going to make sure I'm on site as much as possible for a while so I don't miss any more discussions on things important to my future!

I've worked too long and too hard to settle for a second class Degree Show, and I intend to do everything possible to avoid that... like I said before, I'm like a pitbull when it comes to my work!

thanks

sourcing...

Just wanted to keep up to date:

I'm just finishing an Abercrombie and Fitch brief that's kept my brain entertained for over a month now (It's actually only been 1 weeks practical work but before that I was mulling it over!) so thats been filling my time over the last week. Before then though I've been sourcing fabrics and working more on my designs for the Graduate Collection.
They're coming together really nicely now;

I'm really pleased with the way everything's going- I'm still nervous about the making side of things, but enjoy the theme so much that it should carry me through!
I've been sourcing shoes and props too...found the shoes I want for the Collection, but I don't know what sizes to buy, or how many- so I'll have to check those and hope they've not sold out! They're from River Island menswear and are a pointed canvas trainer with punched leather brogue detailing on- very sweet! They do them in a gorgeous oatmeal colour with white detailing (not shown on the website- typical!)

In terms of the props, there's an online retailer that sell vintage sports equipment from America and they have some gorgeous 50's bats and gloves I deperately want! they aren't cheap though- and I know e-bay have had some lovely things come and go recently, so I'll keep my eyes peeled there too and see if I can save some pennies!

anyway- that's the progress I've made over the last few weeks, think I'm on track- will definitely start making soon though- I don't want the last minute pressure!

thanks

Full Steam Ahead...

Well, I've been updated with the progress on the London Show situation. As it stands, we'll be showing at Alternative Fashion Week on March 23rd. That means a much sooner deadline than I'd anticipated! It's not a problem though- I'm full of beans and really excited about everything now!
I'm off to buy some more fabrics today for the first outfit (needs to be black in theme for the Alternative Fashion Week show- but if that doesn't fit the rest of the range, then I'll just do them as toiles!)
Anyway, I'll update when necessary,
special thanks to Nicola Johnstone who's organised everything so far and kept people in the loop.
thanks

IN STORE NOW...!

Hey, just wanted to brag a little (it's not in my nature for the record!)-
my work from my placement at HOF are in store now- there's a few t-shirts (there's another 1 joining them later in January) as well as other jerseys, knits, jeans, outerwear and labelling details too (oh- as well as smart / formal suits etc)that I worked on while I was there. (jacket by Linea)
If anyone's interested, there's more detail about my placement on my other BLOG which discusses the year out in more detail!
Thanks

Beaten by Armani...

Happy New Year,
You might think that the fact I've not added any news for a few weeks means I've been slacking, well that's only partly true!
I've been mulling ideas over in my head none stop and think I'm well on track to get started on the collection now!
The down side? Well, I went to Selfridges in Manc a couple of days ago and spotted a gorgeous men's Armani cardigan- almost identical to one of my designs!
I'm gutted- really mad at myself for not seing it earlier!
nevermind-
below is another image of 2 similar 1s by Armani as I couldn't find the culprit online!
Hope this doesn't make my work look passe or copied!
will just have to work harder to make it unique!

thanks

MERRY CHRISTMAS...

I know it's a little early but I'm heading home for Christmas tomorrow so wanted to sign off now to explain any extended gaps in my Blog!
I'll obviously be thinking about the range throughout the Christmas break, but this is the 1st year in 4 or 5 that I'm going to take a decent break.
I'm dedicating a few weeks to just relaxing. I got back from my placement at the end of September and started back at uni straight away.
This'll be my first break in about 10 months, maybe longer?!
so suffice it to say I'm excited!
Anyway- have a lovely Christmas, and looking forward to next year- let's hope it's a good 1!
Thanks

Submission...

Ok, I handed in my research and preparation towards my Graduate Collection today. My sketchbook's now out of my hands!
That means that I'll be relying on my Blog to keep me up to date over Christmas. I hadn't realised quite how constructive this Blog was until it dawned on me that I'd need it to keep refering back to while my sketchbook's out of my hands. Also, it means that when I'm out and about, i can sign in and check details or make notes / updates without having the sketchbook with me!
so handy!
whoever suggested this is a genius!
Anyway- that means that my Blog is ready to be assessed. I'll keep adding to it as ideas / thoughts develop and hope that it's gets a little more interesting for anyone who's following it!
thanks

Trend Prediction...

Although I don't want Predicted trends, or previously created Catwalk creations to be the basis of my collection, I am highly aware of them and would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge some predictions for the AW-07/08 Season that may be relevant.

The following are extracts from Textile View and outline some predictions from them for the AW 07-08 season:






With reference to WGSN trend Prediction, Ive looked at several of their guidelines for the AW07-08 season and have chosen "Collision" as the most appropriate for my research. This trend fuses to opposing ideas into a single, new concept. More information on this trend can be found in my sketchbook and online @ WGSN.

I also considered the formalwear garment directions predicted by WGSN for the AW07-08 season, here are some that were of interest to me:





To reiterate, I am aware of these and other forthcoming trends and am conciously choosing to avoid too much contact with them, so to avoid being influenced excesively in my ideas by them
Thanks

Colour palette...

I've attached below an initial colour palette, it's not set in stone- but gives an idea of the sort of direction i'll be heading in.
There's also a new sketch attached, this is where I've got to after looking over all my research again and reviewing the idea. I still want to include the earlier silhouettes, this is a development and another idea for the range.
The background is a faded version of my initial modboard done using Photoshop and Illustrator (also featured in the background of the BLOG)


I think this shows that I am developing my ideas and that the concept is moving forward.
Another reminder about copyrights; I'm like a snarling pitbull about my work!
thanks

Research and Planning Update...

Here's a short film that basically condenses my entire Blog so far into a 30 second precis of my Graduate Collection. Sort of a quick view of the last couple of months!

Thanks



NB the film seems to cut off quite sharply at the end, so sorry about that!
thanks

Good News...

finally submitted my RSA project today- all went ok.
I'm a bit pissed because i couldn't get the big screen to work for my film / presentation.
Actually, it turns out i couldn't get my brain to work- the screen was actually really simple-
As soon as I sat down after my presentation I had a brain wave of how to fix it! typically too late! Im gutted too- the film was really cute and I mixed the music for it and everything!
Still, I managed to work it out for someone else's work, so at least it wasn't a total waste!
If anyone's interested in seeing the little film from the presentation here it is:

(NB, this doesn't include the powerpoint that followed)
Apologies if anyone's bored of seeing those toile photos already!
Anyway, the real upside is twofold: 1- now I get to concentrate on work towards my Grad Collection (and maybe a little on Context!) 2- The making for this project has really helped toward my graduate collection, more so than I htought in fact! hence why I've included these extracts from the projects...there is a logic!
I'll update as soon as I've had chance for something to eat- been rather too manic the last few days to eat properly so I'm going to make up for it now

RSA Boards...

I've added the boards for my RSA project - it's for interest really, and to let you know what's been distracting me for the last month or two!!



If I'm honest- I relaxed a little at the beginning of the project and worked like a loony towards the end...as usual! I actually prefer this, not at the time, but I feel like my work is more focussed then!
anyway,
will update on my Grad Collection prep soon!
thanks

Bad News...

Other things this week:
got the bad news yesterday about Graduate Fashion Week's rejection.
honestly- totally Gutted!
I feel like that's been my aim since school, college and throughout my degree and to be told that a couple of bad decisions last year have taken all that away is so upsetting- for everyone!!
I completely understand the frustration that the lecturers are feeling and know they're as upset as we are- still there's nothing we can do about it so I think we just have to make the best of what we have. I think the upside is that now we have so few constraints we can really make the Derby Show something special!
I remember hearing in my 1st year that we were on thin ground with the organisers then, so I suppose it was only a matter of time; and last years contraversial show seems to have tipped the balance!It's strange 'cause I feel that this year the uni is so different, a completely new ethos and aim. I really think we could have made a difference in London.
I'm still adamant that we'll do something special this year- maybe we could reopen the doors for next years group??

Toile photos...

Well,
after 3 weeks of trauma, I've finally finished the toile for my RSA project.
It's the 3rd attempt and hasn't gone as badly as I'd thought! I'm actually really pleased with the way it's come out.
In terms of preparing for my grad collection, this has really given me a boost.
I now feel that I'm capable of making quality men's clothing. Ok it may still take some time, but I'm getting there!The style of the garment and the fabric and trims etc. are similar to what I'm heading for for my Graduate Collection, so I've made the practice as relevent as possible for me! All in all I've got a well needed confidence boost and I'm looking forward:

Design Sketches

The following are my initial sketches toward my Graduate Collection- I've had these done for a while but just reserved putting them on for copyright reasons. As you can see, I've covered my own back a little on them!


(NB-Both the illustration and the design ideas are copyrighted and should not be reproduced for any purpose.)
Thanks

Baseball Research Film

I've worked on a research film that covers the American 1950s baseball culture.
It shows outlines of the area that I'd like to fuse with the Formalwear theme (re post below)
I like the idea of the Collegiate side of Baseball- the whole American Teen Culture and the retro subcultures associated with the sport in the 1950s.
(NB-Not all images are from the 1950s- but those contained all embody the same feel and emotion that I'm interested in!)
Hope this film puts some of that into visuals so it makes a little more sense!!

The music is "Take me Out to the BallGame" by Bruce Springstein- but I mixed it with a Baseball cheer to make it more relevant for me!
This meant learning more technical stuff and challenging myself a little more.
I love the idea of mixing my soundtrack for my Graduate Show- so I'll be working on that on that in the background I think.

Thanks:

Customising Template...

Well, I've updated the template.
It took hours yesterday to get it sorted but it was so satisfying to actually see it done!
I'm not good with codes and things-but I do like a challenge, so it was actually quite good fun!
Basically it involved attaining URLs for the images i wanted to use and then a lot of trial and error in amending the template that I already had on the page, (If anyon'e looked at template codes, they'll see why it took me a while!)
So, anyone who doesn't know how, but wants to do their own, you will need lots of patience, and a big brain!!
so that's done, and more relevant- it now means that my entire page is dedicated to my Grad Collection, so it's all me! yey!
I'll carry on working on the research side of things- I want to look at 50s American Sportswear next I think!
Thanks

Formalwear Research Film

There are two areas that are of real interest to me for my Graduate Collection. I'm aiming for a fusion of English Black Tie Formalwear and 50s American Baseball. I hope that the fusion of the two styles will bring something sharp and new to the catwalk.
In terms of trend prediciton, I am highly aware of forthcoming trend concepts, however I think I'm going to trust my insincts with the overall outline of the look and roll with what I think.
I know that the idea of fusing denim with formalwear has already been considered (ie by Evisu- opening introducing bespoke, tailored denimwear in their newly developed Saville Row shop), so I think that my idea with add a new twist to the concept.
I've prepared a short film of formalwear research towards my Collection. This covers the Formalwear side of things, I'll add a film to cover the sportswear side of things at a later date.
Included is classic English tailoring(images Copyright of Hackett), trend concepts (images and notes Copyright of Textile View) and directional illustrations (images Supplied by, and copyright of WGSN):



The soundtrack is "Paint it Black" by The Rolling Stones (lovely!)

Just a reminder again that none of the images, information or film should be reproduced.
Many thanks

I've also been working on customising the template/background a little more and making it more relevant to my work.
Watch this space then- and fingers crossed it'll work!

learning to juggle...

Anyone who knows me would tell you that making is my weakness- I managed to master the art of making jersey garments, and I'm fairly ok with womenswear in general; but I'm really nervous about my making skills toward my Grad Collection. I'm therefore using every opportunity to practice that I get. Every Thursday evening I work specifically on my pattern cutting / making either at home or at uni, and I'm trying to incorporate ideas for my collection into all my other briefs at the moment so that it's all constructive and relevant.
Again, my main focus this week has been on the RSA brief. I've finalised the plan for the range and just need to draw up the illustrations now. I spent about 3 days working on a toile for a shirt (as stated, making is a weakness; not helped by the fact there were so many errors in the guidance book I use (make that used!)).
The initial toile images:

And then after some tweaking:

The collar and stand are oversized- it's intentional; I want to style the shirt with cravats and extra large tie knots. We'll see if that needs amending later!!!





Anyway, it's relevant practice for the Graduate Collection and it's a great step towards finishing my RSA work on time!
All in all a satisfying weeks work this week, am a little worn out from it though- roll on the Christmas break!
thanks,
will update with any more developments

Sourcing update...

Well I had a great start to the week, the supplier I mentioned before (DPJ Cloth) remained true to their word and I got a parcel of some lovely shirting poplins as well as trims and accessories delivered to my door!



It was a trully lovely surprise and has brought my Grad Collection back to the forefront of my mind!
I'm still finding it a little tricky to balance all the modules at the moment, but the fact I'm enjoying all of them should carry me through...I hope!
Anyway, there's my update for now- Will fill in later this week with any developments.
thanks

week off...

Ok so last week we had the day off to prepare for the Information Exchange (sort of an intellectual barter evening); where we had to display and discuss thoughts of work placements.
We worked on fairly short notice, but to be honest- I tend to work better on a short time scale, it means I can focus better.
It went fine- I spent last weekend, Monday pm and all Tuesday getting everything ready for it.
I put all the details of my placements onto a Blog so that their easier to access and interpret.
If anyone's interested, there's the link in the side bar on the right of the page.

Im also slacking here a little- the RSA deadline's looming (less than a month), so I'm focussing on that a little more now.
I'll crack on with the graduate collection prep from next week again, and try to juggle that with the RSA.
Thanks

New Software!!!

There were split groups this week. I started to panic when the class started and we were learning the basics of Illustrator> it's been a while since I was ahead in anything, so quite refreshing to know I had a headstart!
I practised a little on the Illsutrator skills I already have (mostly developed on placement), and then learnt about a different piece of software that's compatable with both Illustrator and Photoshop. Lectra Kaledo is a piece of CAD software designed specifically for Fashion Design, so it has shortcuts and loopholes to make some jobs easier.
If I'm honest- initially, i prefer Illustrator- it's probably vanity, but Illustrator is so aesthetically great that Kaledo looked like a step back (that said, for some reason the version of Illustrator on the uni computers doesn't have the live trace or live fill functions, and without them it really is slightly less perfect!!)
So despite my reservations (mainly about the retro fascade of the software), it actually was really easy to pick up and use- I think I could make use of it and balance between that and the beautiful Illustrator!!!
I managed to do a few CADs of visuals I'm thinking of towards my Grad Collection. Unfortunately for you, I'm very suspicious and even more secretive; so you'll only get to see my designs if you have access to my personal sketchbook, where they'll be kept and worked on- at least for a while!
I've also been working on a couple of toilles- based on the ideas I;m working on- again, the picies are in the sketchbook- if you're lucky, I might add and couple of vague pics onto this a little later! So far I've toilled the main body of a jacket, I wasn't sure about how the collar shape I want would work on the body shape I want, so Ive been trying that out. Also I've done a pattern for some formal trousers- they're acurate based on the instructions supplied (from Winnifred Aldrich's 'Metric Pattern Cutting for Menswear') and they look right. My problem now is the order of make up- I'm easily confused and not entirely sure of the make up order of the garment, and I know that a toille is the place to make those mistakes and to practice- but I'm very precious about my work, and can't bear messing it up- so I'm going to try and work that out before i get stuck in with making the trousers up!
It'll make sense soon i think!
anyway- I'll update with any developments as and when,
thanks

More thoughts 17/10...

class was cancelled today, so I'm back to getting stuck in at home- I feel suddenly inspired at the mo- think all my thoughts are starting to come together and make sense!
It's making me really excited!
I am a little confused though- alongside this Blog, I'll be producing a sketchbook, but I'm not sure if that'll be aswell as my usual research/design sketchbook for the collection, or a separate thing; and therefore what the difference of content should be!? I dont want to get to the end and find out I have to do a separate 1 and they'll have the same stuff in!
Anyway,
I have a couple of briefs I want to get ahead on this week, so I'll crack on and update as and when necessary!
thanks

Initial Moodboard!

As promised, my initial moodboard- it's just to give a vague idea of the look/area I'm interested in:


It's been a great week for me, a shirting supplier I worked with while I was on placement agreed to sponsor fabric and accessories for any shirts I wanted in my collection. I offered verbal and written advertising as a thank you and this week I received the 1st swatches for approval. I'm really lucky with this, I'm not sure if I'd have known where to start otherwise so Jake's been a Godsend!
Below is the accessory card he sent for me to look at:

apologies for the poor quality scan!

Update, week 2...

I'm really enthused about this module- just want to enjoy the prep for my Grad Collection while it lasts- I'm fairly sure it'll all go too quickly, and towards the end I'll probably be too stressed to enjoy it. So right now, I'm reveling in this prelim work- developing my ideas and recording research etc.

I am a little confused if Im honest- talking to some of the other girls this week, lots of them seem stressed already and say they've got sooo much to do. Honestly, I just don't feel like that- it's concerning me a little, cause I wonder if I'm missing something!

Still, I'm sure it'll all make sense soon enough- All I can do is turn up regularly and make sure Im up to date to the best of my knowledge- hopefully it'll all fall into place by itself then!

Later this week I'll be adding an initial inspiration board- itll probably change a lot before the final copy, but it'll give you and me a vision of where I'm heading, and hopefully clarify and focus some of my ideas!

thanks

inspiration slideshow

Starting Point...

I'm a Blog rookie, so bear with me!
I figure I'll note everything Im thinking and hopefully it'll make sense...eventually!

My 1st thoughts are how excited I am to finally be planning for my Graduate Collection. It feels like this has been a long time coming, so now its here I don't want to waste it.
It'll be the first time that MY designs have been exhibited as a whole range, and I'm hoping it wont be the last.

I know the range will be menswear (though I did wonder about the possibility of doing mens and womenswear(?)), and while I know I shouldn't , I've spent most of my placement year (certainly the last 6 months at least) preparing and planning!
Hopefully my thoughts will develop and grow, and fingers crossed this diary will narrate that process and provide me with a record of my thought process (I'm afraid once the creative part of my brain kicks in, I don't register much else- so this Blog might be a blessing in the aftermath!)

Thoughts so far:
Before my year out, I probably would have gone for something quite couture, quite theatrical; but I realised (through working in industry, though briefly) that to be noticed, the collection has to represent me as the future of British Mens Design, and though in the long term i want to design under my own name (I'm sure everyone does!), I have to get my foot in the door first and i'd rather be known as the hireable one with the perfect, wearable, but different collection than the one with the costumie type OTT range!!



So far then, I've been looking at the idea of fusing Formalwear with Jeanswear. I have this vision of a black velvet bomber jacket with a tux collar and gold embroidery. I want bib fronts from shirts (winged tipped?) that are stitched into lightweight jersey Ts, and formal trusers (side panels, jet pockets and back vents) made really low rise, but extra long in dark indigo Japanese denim and with neat turn ups. I'd like to include sashes and cravats- So I think it'll look somewhere between Black Tie English and 50s American baseball.

I was thinking of using tonal embroidery too- or maybe gold (not sure if I want to keep it as a textural detail, or some flashy James Bond thing).
Maybe I could use tonal prints (black on black), so details were only seen in certain lights.

I've got plenty of images to start with, so will keep delving to find more!

In terms of other designers, I think this'll look somewhere similar to D&G, Dolce, and Dsquared2's collections from AW06/07 (see images!)

ok so the first 1s there for eye candy- but still...

click here for WGSN