Kimono Body Suit -Sketch & Photoshop

Brainwave on kimono sleepwear/lounging wear, also a good way to ease back into the designing process.

Rough kimono bodysuit idea -influenced by 1920's orientalisim

Spec drawing

I think it is important to make my design more clearly understood by both the viewer and myself, this can be done through spec drawings of the garments.

Playing with photoshopped fabrics from previous assignment

 To get back into the feel of photoshop I had a play round with layering fabrics from assignment 1 into my design, I think it opened my eyes to the many ways a garment can look just by using different materials.

Overall I think this exercise was interesting and helped to ease me back into the designing process. As for the actual design I do like the idea of the kimono style dress however I think I need to hark back to my original silhouette that had a sense of fragility in order to stay true to my concept, perhaps a fusion of the two?.

Little shorts in Thistle - Lonely hearts

I picked these little shorts up at designer garage sale at Fashion week, wanted them since they arrive just haven't had the moola, but now they are mine! I think these are relevant to my concept as they are present an idea of cosy underwear/lounging about shorts, they almost remind my of a snow bunny type girl with ugg boots (ew) but pushing that to the side they present a fashionable yet casual way to be comfortable and warm in you knickers/shorties. They also seem like they could be warn out which gives the garment versatility and the 'just ran out to get some milk in my nightie" (think Carrie throwing on pearls with her P.J's) kinda vibe.

Shorts info:

• Color - Thistle
• 2.5" Inseam
• 13.5" Rise
• 80% wool 20% poly
• Shorts measure approx 11.5" in length
• Elasticized waistband for slip on styling
• Dry clean only
• Made in New Zealand

Lonely Hearts aesthetics sound very similar to what I'm trying to achieve:
"Started in 2003, Lonely Hearts has created a look that is chic and feminine while focusing on wearability and functionality. Key to every collection are textural contrasts, such as hard vs soft fabrics and chiffon and leather paired together, making it clever and fun to wear. "

Possible garments in the undergarments/sleepwear market

These are some of the possible garments I could create for an autumn/winter 2012 intimates and undergarments range. There is a lot of opportunity for layering.

Rough Moodboard Idea

Just an rough mood board drawing on imagery from the previous assignment and new images relating to silhouette and fabrics. At this point I'm very interested in undergarments for Autumn/Winter 2012, I feel there is a gap in the market for comfortable sleepwear and intimates for lounging about in front of the fireplace, garments built for comfort and style that are not covered in stars or love hearts or do not scream sex with the pains of wires or boning.  

Fall/Winter 2012 - Key/Useful Trends

These are trends that I find particularly interesting and could see working into my collection; some I have previously explored and some I think would help me communicate my concept more clearly and help turn it into a marketable collection. 

Amalgamated: colour, Winter 12/13.

 This is extremely close to my previous colour pallet. These is a soft and hazy merge between light and dark, from gentle nudes to deep forest and foggy blues. This colour pallet is quiet and dreamy which suits my concept very well, it also reminds me of underwater seaweeds and aqua waters.

Flapper, Winter 11/12

 There is come back of 1920's flapper dresses not only in the silhouette but also the highly beaded ilks and transparent fabrics. This look is very glamorous and has feelings of chic romance. For winter garments this would not be very practical but ideas of beaded establishments could be included in subtle ways perhaps in trims or detailed areas. As for the silhouette, with my concept of layering and loose garments it could Incorporated quite easily.

Hand-knit woollens, Winter 12/13.

Wool is perfect for creating cosy garments and it can create many interesting textures. I am very keen on incorporating wool into my next collection as i did in my previous one, I think I will be using a woolen knit to replace my previous constructed wool fabric as it is very time consuming and would not suit the price range of a middle market. Wool is perfect for the winter season as it provides great warmth and is such a great natural resource for New Zealand. The image of the socks gives me ideas about undergarments for Autumn and Winter and also refers to fabric morphing. 

Lean restraint, Winter 12/13.

Silhouettes head south with easy, flowing garments providing comfort and easy movement. Yet again revering back to 1920s and Orientalism -caftans and kimonos. 

Fabric Morphing and Fabric Collage, Winter 11/12.

 The Fabric morphing happening is very similar to what I was trying to achieve in my last assignment, I want to keep exploring this as it adds textural interest in the garment and relates to my concept. Fabric collage might be an interesting way to explore fabric morphing or the merging of memories within my concept (note- the collage is very geometric)

Retro romance, Winter 11/12.

Looks are highly influenced by the 1920's, 30's and 40's and the silver screen glamour, there is an air of sophistication combined with classic masculinity. key elements such as crepe fabrics, dropped waistlines, classic masculinity, fur and beads. I think looking back to the past for silhouettes and styles could help evoke the memory and age part of my concept, I feel especially drawn to the 1920's-30's and the Orientalism within garments at the time.

Interesting trends F/W 2012

Asymmetry S/S 2012-13

 Asymmetric designs seem to be occurring in soft fabrics with lose silhouettes and dropped waist lines, creating a feeling of 1920's. Their is a feeling of relaxed breathable clothing for luxury lounging. The asymmetric designs give opportunity for layering and create a modern edgy look, they make the garments interesting to the eye and prompt ideas of architecture but also ancient Greek dress.

Unusual Combinations F/W 2012

There is a big trend for unusual fabric combinations. We can see just from these few Wool with chiffon, a contrast of see through and dense, patchworks of fabrics, Fur,wool and silk all in the same outfit, Hard with soft. These fabric combinations are introduced mainly through garment layering and not only create depth to the outfits but also draw importance to textile contrast and sensitivity which intrigues the viewer.

Velvet F/W 2012

Velvet fabrics are back in creating an old school luxury appeal. Most in rich greens, blues, purples, reds and of course black, the soft movement,sensual texture and light reflective qualities of velvet are showcased through draped garments. Velvet offers a warm elegance to the autumn and winter months. The embroidered velvet reminds me of 1920s Orientalism. 

Intimates trends

W/F 2011-12 Initimate Trend.

"Maximalism reminiscent of the old curiosity shop as well as today's concept shops such as Merci in Paris and Anthropology in New York and London. The atmosphere conjures up images of the Silk Route, the riches of all the cultures of the world. Indian embroideries mix with African jacquards, taffetas are decorated with semiprecious stones and stretch satin are everywhere... And, not to forget, the best of current masculine chic and graphics, echoes of the eccentric style of the American Iris Apfel"

-This could link to the memory aspect of my garments, also giving me an idea about silhouettes, perhaps loose like Kimono? Could a silhouette trigger memory or history?

S/S 2012 Intimates Trend.

miro

"Trend report for S/S 2012 is beautiful. There are a lot of floral prints, polka dots, and micro fibers used in intimates. There is also a lot of lace used that creates a beautiful feminine look. These looks are all so beautiful and I can't wait to see them emerge."

-A. Nilles