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