CRITICAL APPRAISAL_ DEVELOPMENT OF FASHION TEXTILE PROCESSES
This module has allowed me to explore fashion and textiles in a greater depth. With the set theme of gender, I have been able to explore and produce a range of innovative ideas relating technically and creatively to gender. Through the use of research, art, skill and construction, I appropriately explored and refined a fashion outcome that was communicated and and effectively relevant to the theme.
To start the module, research into the theme was to be carried out, to look for a direction one would like to head with the project. I started off collecting relevant visual information - previous collections, gender within the fashion industry, gender related issues across the globe, transgenders etc. This allowed me to react to the theme of gender and create my own take on it.
The first lead session enabled me to explore this further, by drawing a series of objects that were typically ‘male’ or ‘female’. As I had just come back from the summer, my drawing skills were rather rusty and I began to get frustrated that I couldn't communicate my ideas. However when I moved onto recording the masculine objects, I became fascinated with a Blocky, chunky robot transformer toy. This initiated my inspiration and the concept and journey I wanted to take. I began to gather primary and secondary research from this starting point, and this significantly helped with the development of my ideas.
The practical workshops based in the studio allowed me to develop my skills and practical understanding. They specialised in enabling my to manipulate materials and ideas in a confident way, using an experimental approach which then could be refined and used in my final designs. It also got me thinking in a creative way how I could relate the workshops to gender, for example- oversized bows and ruffles in heavy materials, to contrast the genders. These experiments were recorded and evaluated in my technical file, so I could refer back to them.
I approached this brief with an open mind about gender, producing deigns that were rather gender neutral, incorporating themes of the robot and the structure and shape into the garment ideas. I feel the garment ideas I produced went through many different refinement process, from basic shapes to technical drawings. This really helped me understand the direction I wanted my collection to go. In reflection however I do wish I had more time to develop an refine my garment ideas before selecting my final fashion outcome.
During this module, I attended all illustrator workshops. This enabled me to learn the basics and draw simple garments. It wasn't easy, especially as I had had no previous experience with the programme. However, by the end of the workshops, I was able to more confidently produce more complicated, professional garments, leading on the technical drawings of my final line up. I documented the processes I learnt in a file so it was easy to refer back to- This helped me a great del in both my studio and support module.
My chosen outfit to make I feel challenged me and the boundaries of gender. I successfully used skills I had acquired previously, and also new skills and techniques, such as manipulating leather and fur, and working with the leather machines. I also used different methods of joining such as using nuts and bolts (inspired by the joining of the robot toy from my initial research) to add a masculine quality. The garment overall was a contrast between both the genders throughout- the choice in materials contrasted to the colour choice, the oversized jacket contrasted with the sheer delicate dress, the seam finishes contrasted. Gender Neutral.
The construction of my garments were relatively smooth, although with some hiccups. However I thought I tackled theses well. I cut out the leather sleeves the wrong way, not anticipating having to turn the fabric over. This set me back but instead of panicking, I taught myself to keep calm, tackle the problem in a constructive way and get on with something else in the mean time- a new me!
Overall I was really happy with the construction and quality of my garments. I took my time to execute them to a high standard, making sure the seams were bound to create an overall visually pleasing aesthetic.
My final fashion shoot suggested the quality of the garment, and portrayed it in a successful and edgy way. From this shoot, I evaluated the outcome and realised I had challenged my self in a creative and technical way. It suggested I had a greater knowledge and understanding of the skills, and I feel I have improved from year one. By really pushing myself, I am now in a position to continue developing my skills ready for my final year. The only area I feel let me down this semester was my organisation skills and and time management. I had a few difficulties with my illness, preventing me form getting on as well as I had hoped, however getting as far as I have in itself is a massive achievement for me.
This module allowed me to produce a series of final outcomes, including my garment, my portfolio and my print collection to accompany my final line up. Combining my illustrator and photoshop skills, I was able to produce a professional portfolio celebrating my work. I effectively presented my research, development and final outcomes. Creating a portfolio is a valuable skill to have, and will be used in upcoming projects, internships and after my degree. Although I don't necessarily have my desired style yet, that will be acquired through time and will constantly be updated and developed.
Throughout the project, I was constantly analysing and developing my developmental journey and performance, allowing me to refine and improve constantly. I am really pleased with my success in all areas, and feel I covered the learning outcomes.
