First jewellery sample

Vladamir Putin

Vladimir Putin is not only one of the most controversial figures in politics but also one of the most powerful. When given the task to pick a celebrity and create a uniform or signature look for them, Vladimir may not be the most obvious choice. I find his usual choice of a slim fitting navy/black suite or his traditional military uniform to be boring. In some sense Vladamir could be classed as a modern day super villain. My main interest in Vladamir and Russia is its aggressive views on homosexuality.Each to their own, I'm not saying that everyone should agree with homosexuality. It really comes down to a matter of opinion and beliefs. However what I really do disagree with is a lack of freedom. Despite the president not agreeing with or even the country on a whole, the right to take away someones freedom is wrong. The fact that you can be killed for something which is instinct is barbaric.

So my main point when considering how to dress Vladamir was how could what he wears make a difference without coming off as offensive. I decided to stick with an original Russian military uniform. But instead of using the traditional colours I have added in pink detailing and fur elements to add a sense of femininity to this outfit. I wanted to create an outfit that isn't just fashion but had  a meaning, a purpose. Can you imagine how strong a statement seeing Vlad attending a political event in this bright pink suite. Although the possibilities of this happening are extremely slim, this was a task based more on concept rather than actually making it happen . I took this opportunity to really self indulge and show what I really stand for.

Anatomy sketches

Japanese Safari Inpsiration

Just thought I'd show you some of the things which inspired me and part of my journey towards my final pieces for my collection.

Copper jewellery making

Balmain X H&M

So we all know that the demand for any of H&M's designer collaborations are always extremely high. Usually resulting in uncontrollable queues and new methods of purchasing stock (last year for Wang you needed raffle ticket in order to enter the store and make a purchase. Lucky for me I already have first dibs on the collection, I currently work at H&M and have been given the opportunity to support Bullring with the launch of the collection. Although I won't exactly get to shop as such this is a sacrifice I am willing to make to ensure that I get all of the pics Im currently craving.

Unfortunately I understand that everyone doesn't have such an opportunity and chances are pretty high that H&M will be using the same raffle ticket system.Ideally I should find out before this information is released to the public in order to prepare for the collection launch. So I will be sure to let you guys know ASAP. For now I would recommend subscribing to the H&M newsletter as Im sure they'll be releasing information very soon.

What are you getting?

End Of Year Fashion Show-Sandwell College

Okay give me props this was  my first ever collection,Also no matter how many different formats I've tried the quality is still pretty poor :(

Winter warmers

So I know we are only really half way through Autumn and you may think it's way too early to be talking about Xmas.But today at work I realised the torture of the Xmas playlist had already began. I instantly knew what time it was.Time for one of my annual trips to selfridges in search of that killer winter jumper.I don't know what it is about kenzo but they always seem to get the the perfect backbreaking of a sleek and stylish wear and the tackiness which everyone loathes for at Xmas.So today whilste searching through the array of of designer jumpers at selfridges I found It.The perfect Jumper.Last year I went all out a bough the glamourise glitter jumper so this year I tried to pick something a little more subtle.The dark tones of green remind me of Xmas tree branches and the detailed embroidery gives that extra special festive feel to the jumper.As always the fit is perfect and you can really feel the quality which had been woven into these jumpers.Seriously if you haven't got one there seriously a must have for this A/W season.Now let's be realistic I know the price range may seem a bit steep, usually ranging from £230-£350 (the green tiger print jumper RRP was £230 and is current season however I payed £300 for the glittery jumper which is previous season last year)so if your looking for a quick bargain they do have a outlet store at Bicester village and also online.I visited the outlet store website today and I found jumpers from as little as £80.

Clothes Show Young Designer Of The Year Competition

Okay so we was given a fortnight to submit our clothes show young designer of the year competition submission.To be very honest I'm a first year and this is my first competition entry so I really do not expect to be chosen as a finalist (to be fair i could do without the added stress of making the submission too.) One thing is for sure I'm going to be crowned first place next year.Anyway I have uploaded a copy of my submission and supporting work because I know how hard it is to enter a competition for the first time.I tried looking for examples to try and help me with layout etc when I was originally drafting my idea.However I couldn't find anything out there not even any examples of previous submissions.

Although submissions for this year are now closed I highly recommend for any aspiring fashion designer to enter next year and to get into the habit of entering open casting competitions like this!

Heres a link to the brief too incase you was interested,maybe for practice try completing this brief feel free to share your ideas:) http://www.clothesshow.com/files/young_designer_of_the_year_2015.pdf

Describe how the Tokyo fashion scene has inspired your design?

My initial inspiration came from the excessive use of layering in Tokyo’s trend and style. What  I wanted to do was incorporate aspects of tradition and authenticity into the kooky, fast paced Tokyo of today. Traditional silhouettes dating back to the days of the samurai all contained layers, armour and a way of concealing ones self. The obvious question was what are they hiding? I began by looking at what secrets Tokyo could be trying to hide, things which would be considered dishonourable or unacceptable. I came across an interesting piece from an extract of an erotic sex manual ‘Treasures Hidden In Our Pockets’ from the 1830’s-40’s.The contrast of the honourable, stern Tokyo citizen in contrast to the rebellious and cheeky youth of todays Tokyo was what I really wanted to keep key. Those who would not feel dishonoured by Japans secrets but liberated, literally wearing their hearts on their sleeves. What I quickly realised was that everything was always enchanting and fun from the puzzle boxes, to the harajuku barbie. This is something the Japanese have kept consistent throughout its history.

Explain how your design meets the need of the client?

In order to fulfil the client brief I had to get a strong understanding of who my client was. By completing core research I began to build a story for my client and the design process came pretty easily once the preparation stages were complete. I made it my main concern to create a garment that remains mythical, enchanting and avant guard yet remaining a wearable high fashion piece suitable for someone young and in the lime light.

I have created an original design which I strongly believe would make anyone attending Tokyo fashion week proud to wear and anyone not wearing it envious. This is a design which wouldn't just be something you wear but will visually communicate my research and concept. I have used rich tones and an innovative idea of creating a risqué print which still keeps a cheeky sense of humour. Yet again reinforcing the idea of fun and adventure from Japanese culture. 

Provide a brief breakdown on how you would make your design and what materials you would use including material swatches?

My first step would be to print the pattern I created onto actual fabric preferably a silk. Using a combination of the printed fabric and other samples included within my boards I would start constructing my garment using a traditional kimono style pattern. Shoulder pads would be inserted to enhance the feel of protecting or hiding. This time in the form of a manufactured silhouette.

The kimono would be lined and created from my chosen fabrics.The excess areas you can see on my illustration are  a shirt underneath the kimono but still attached using the lining so the joining method wouldn't be visible on the outside.

My next step would be to start creating the shorts which are shaped similar to culottes. I would use the same materials used in the kimono but would need to use a stronger interfacing and lining to ensure it keeps it’s cone like shape. These would be held at the waist by a pull string fitting within the waist band although this idea may need to be changed according to the weight of the shorts.