Summer Project 2013 Amy Newell
I have done a bit more work on my fashion illustration figures, trying to develop them with different expressions and different poses, but still keeping the blind, continuous line drawing effect as I think this is quite loose and quirky and really is individual to me.
To get me together. dreamlike together, concept:
started, I can then identify similarities between the images of my moodboards once I have arranged them From the images I have collected I get a strong sense of bright vibrancy and romantic tranquillity. The aura of the images combined with the elegance and history of the Grecian themed marbled statues work well so I have successfully been able to identify my
‘The magic and history of mythological Greece.’
Just thinking about my illustrations, I know that on their own, they are quite boring and bland, not really showing much technical skill, but I know that they are more effective when I have illustrated onto them. I have mainly focused on the female figure, but I also have a really keen interest in Childrenwear so I want to develop fashion illustration figures of children; a girl, a boy and a baby.
It is so important to me that I am a versatile and adaptable designer/ illustrator/creative, as I really want to be SUCCESSFUL!!!
I have been drawn to images of blues, pinks, gold, ivory and greys, so I shall use these colours as my colour scheme within this project. The soft and fluid shapes of the water, floating fabrics and marble statues of the images will help me create the structure and texture of my fashion illustrations/designs.
I like to work conceptually and being experimental, using a range of media, such as; sewing, ink and collage to create bold illustrations, contrasting elements by using a mixture of textures, colours and forms. I can use these illustrations to identify elements that appeal to me, which I can then use to inform my flat designs, fabric prints etc.
My Illustrations/Fabric Print Designs WIth my illustrations, although I like them, I don’t think they reflect my concept, and would probably need to be used with a more obvious link to the history and magic of ancient Greek mythology in order to give the illustrations greater contextual relevance.
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The original image is simply fuchsia pink and gold acrylic paint; these two colours were a repetitive element I identified through my mood-boards. I painted onto a sheet of cartridge paper, which I then folded so that the wet paint could be transferred onto the opposite half of the page. This is then opened and left to dry. The result forms a pattern, almost like a butterfly print. I scanned the dry image into the computer where I am then able to manipulate the vibrancy of the colours, the contrast between the tones of the colours etc. I was then able to experiment with rotating, reflecting, cropping the image to create a series of prints which could be used as fabric prints.
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I like the intensity of the colours and the kaleidoscope image with the interlocking shapes. The golden hues also create a lustrous effect.
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This image is of black and fuchsia ink, which I splattered on a page and then folded to create a patterned print. The contrast in colours has been emphasised using Photoshop so that I can highlight contrast between the shapes of the ink blotches. I haven’t created a repetitive pattern, which could be used for a fabric print, however, by using my female line illustrations as stencils and merging the two images together to create and interesting illustration.
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I have experimented with rotating and reflecting the ink image before I used my female line illustrations as stencils, so that I could utilise the brighter areas of the ink image. I did not want to incorporate too much black, as I do not feel the colour suits my concept of magical mythological Greece, however I needed to use some of the intense black, so that the image did not look too flat and possesses more depth.
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Ink and acrylic paint. I used a marble statue as my muse, as I liked the soft tenderness of the shapes created by the gentle fold of the arms and smooth contours of the body. The pink background is acrylic paint as this created a rough texture that would contrast the smooth lines of the ink drawing. I like incorporating juxtaposing elements within my images as I think this makes them more exciting and stimulating.
Just as a random thought, I like contrasting elements of things I make; whether that be colour, shape etc. In this project I have mainly been focusing on the visual elements of my drawings BUT there are other senses! Touch, smell, sound‌. These are other elements I can consider in my future creations.
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Ink. Dribbled loosely over a page, and then blowing through a straw, I have manipulated the movement of the ink. This has then been left to dry, scanned, and cropped, reflected and rotated to create a number of different patterns, which could be used as fabric prints. Again the prints have a kaleidoscope effect that is quite visually striking.
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The prints themselves don’t look stereotypically Ancient Greek, but I don’t want to create stereotypical images, as I don’t feel it’s very original. HOWEVER These prints do not OBVIOUSLY reflect my concept of mythological Greece, so I think these possible fabric prints would need to be combined with clothing designs that are more identifiable with Ancient Greece so that they have a bit more context.
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Pink & gold acrylic background. I have then applied blue ink over the top and then blew through a straw to control the movement of the wet ink and create shapes.
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Not a stereotypical Ancient Greek pattern, but I think the print needs to be applied to a Greek setting so that it has more relevance to my concept of the magic and history of mythological Greece.
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Gold acrylic paint background. Blue & pink ink that has been blown at through a straw to create the shapes.
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I have cropped the image into circles and squares, and although I cannot see the motif being used as a fabric print, the circular images do look as if they would make an interesting bead/gem effect, which could be used for jewellery making?
Looking at my mood-boards, some of the marble statues almost look golden. In this experimental drawing, I painted some paper with gold acrylic paint, waited for it to dry before then spray painted of the top in a crème/golden. The spray paint has a cracked effect when it dries so it let through the more gilded effect of the gold paint beneath. I quite like the experimentation that I applied to this image and think it would make quite a nice fabric effect. When I scanned the imagae into the computer I simply intensified the colours so that they had a greater richness to them.
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This image is simply a grey acrylic paint background with gold acrylic paint spattered across the surface. When I photoshopped the image, I dulled down the grey tone and intensified the gold so that it looked richer in colour. In some of my mood-board images, there are various tones of grey, which is why I wanted to incorporate some tones of grey within my experimental drawings.
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The image is simply reflected and rotated, to create a tile. This tile can then be repeated to form a motif that could be used for fabric prints.
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Free stitching using a sewing machine, blue & pink thread. Gold sequins applied on top that helps emphasise the circular motion of the stitching. Experimental drawing is inspired by the detail sculptors applied on their marble statues which have a very Grecian essence.
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After scanning in the image, I have emphasised the vibrancy of colours for a brighter effect. When rotating the shapes, I found I was able to create images, such as the floral patterns, but also when applied merged with my female line illustrations; the combined shapes could make garments like; a dress or a handbag.
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Free stich using a sewing machine and black thread. Gold sequins glued on top. Inspiration came from the detail of hair on Grecian styled statues. After the image was scanned, I have intensified the contrast between the black stitching and the plain white background, as well as brightening the golden sequins. The image has then been rotated to create floral patterns. I think these would make interesting accessory items, such as a brooch or even a headpiece clip?
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Using an image from my mood-board, I used the free-stich setting on my sewing machine to sew into the image and create some texture. I feel these images have a greater link with my concept of Ancient Greece as the image is of a Grecian styled statue.
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Free stich with pink and blue thread, where the colours have been increased in vibrancy for a starker contrast between the colours and the white background. The muse of this experimentation was the detail of hair on the marble statues, which appear in my mood-board.
The image has then been rotated to create the floral images. Some of the floral images have been layered on top of one another to create greater depth within the colours, but I prefer the floral patterns that I have not cropped into circles, as the feelers, which spiral off, remind me of Ancient Greek images of the sun which reference the Greek god of the Sun, Apollo, also known under the name of Helios.
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I have taken one of my photoshopped images and applied it as a repetitive pattern, which does work, but I don’t really like it. It doesn’t really link that well to my concept.
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I prefer my collaged pieces because they have a more obvious link to my concept of the history & magic of Greek Mythology. I think is because the images feature ancient Greek styled sculptures.
Image is a more affective illustration rather than a fabric print motif.
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A collage which I have photoshopped to increase the vibrancy of the colours, and then using my female illustrations as stencils.
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I really like the motif I have created, but I think it would suit a Aztec themed project rather than Ancient Greece.
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I really like the motif, and think it takes quite a contemporary approach to my concept. Maybe I should consider trying to be more modern, rather than echoing the stereotypical romantic image of ancient mythological Greece.
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I think this motif is probably the closest I have been able to create which reflects my concept and is one that I can see being used as a fabric print for garments. I am vey fussy when it comes to my illustrations, as I really want to make sure that I am reflecting my concept throughout the project.
My Mini Collection I thought I would have a go at designing a mini collection, which reflected the smooth and romantic elegance of what is seen as ancient Greece, and try using some of my illustrations as fabric prints. I don’t really like my collection that much as each piece, although they might share some similar design features, it all looks quite unrelated to each other and doesn’t really reflect what I had envisaged in my head.
I have named each of my designs after Greek gods and Titans so that I keep my concept present, even though I feel the designs themselves do not visually reflect the idea of the history and magic of ancient Greek mythology.
I think this collection is more daywear, but what I really wanted to make is more extravagant evening gown. I can see my collection being sold in places like Phase Eight, or Coast, which cater for the mature lady demographic, who look for simple minimalist pieces with a quirky design feature which prevents the garment from being boring, but not too outlandish.
BUT!!!!!
By making this mini collection, it has given me some really valuable experience using Adobe Illustrator (a software I have not used before). Although my skills with this software are extremely basic, hopefully I can build upon these so that I can become a stronger contender in the fashion industry job market!!!
I have not included these designs as part of the collection as the prints/colours I have chosen do not compliment the other pieces. If I had left my designs as blank flats, visually I think they would suit each other nicely.
Dione Dress
A plain cotton jersey dress which is soft against the skin, with a patterned chiffon panel at the base. A zip fastening would be located in the side seam under the arm to allow the wearer greater ease when putting on or taking off the dress.
Gaia Trouser
A slightly stiff cotton trouser which has a tailored harem trouser stlye. Slightly wider aroud the base of the hips that gradually narrows down the legs for a greater fitted effect. The base of the trouser would be upturned and permanently fixed to reveal the lighter grey under side of the fabric in comparison to the main colour of the trouser. Gold fabric would be used to draw attention to the two singular jetted pockets located on the back of the garment. The item could be made in other colours, for example; pink & gold, mocha & gold etc.
Thea Top
This simple top incorprates two halves. The top half is a long sleeve cotton jersey with an elastane mix so that it has a slight stretch so that it is easy and comfortable to wear. The bottom half completely chiffon which loosely drapes over the lower half of the torso and adds to the softness and relaxed style of the design. A button fixture is located at the top back of the garment so that the wearer can easily put on and take off the garment. However, the garment would probably not need this feature as the loose fit of the top half of the garment and the elastane in the jersey fabric should provide enough freedom to manoeuvre in and out of the item.
Aether Trouser-Skirt
A jersey legging which is fitted to the wearer. A simple cotton jersey skirt fits over the top, with a ruched side creating drapes and folds in the fabric. The asymmetric cut of the skirt creates shape and reveals the leggings underneath. The elasticated waist means that the item should be comfortable to wear and requires no need for buttons or zips.
Helen Dress
This dress involves two main sections. The front of the dress is of a silky fabric, which features one of my illustrations, which can be used as a fabric print. The short sleeves and back of the dress, use a thicker cotton fabric, and a hidden zip is to be found at the back of the dress to allow ease of putting on and taking off the dress. I wanted the zip to be hidden, as I did not want it to be a key design feature. A blue chiffon panel is found at the base of the dress in a blue hue to compliment the bluish tones of the print.
Tethys Trouser
A simple dark grey skinny fit cotton trouser with a button fixture. Two patch pockets are found on the ack of the garment which incorporates a ruched design feature at the ankles of the trouser legs in order to create texture.
Hericlees Jumpsuit
A blush pink cotton jumpsuit with a wide leg cut to create soft drapes and folds in the fabric. The short sleeves feature a chiffon trim which uses one of my illustrations as a fabric print. The back of the jumpsuit features a hidden zip so that wear can put on and take off the garment.
Hera Trouser-Skirt
This garment incorporates a fitted jersey cotton legging with a gold chiffon skirt over the top. The sirt is ruched on either side so that I can create drapes and folds within the fabric. The elasticated waist means that there is no need for buttons or zips. The garment could come in other colours, but the gold glittering chiffon is the key design feature of this garment.
Demeter Dress
The long sleeve cotton dress requires a zip in the side seam under the arm. The bluish grey is the main colour of the dress with a chiffon panel, which drapes over the front of the dress in a slightly darker blue-grey hue. The chiffon is ruched on the shoulders so that the fabric drapes elegantly around the neckline and flows softly down to the hem. The dress is meant to be loose and relaxed with the soft fabric creating a gentle and comfortable garment, both in appearance and design.
Theia Trouser
A plain light grey skinny fit trouser, which has two singular jetted pockets on the front of the trouser. The key design feature is a gold spattering effect, which is found both on the front and back of the garment. I imagine the trouser to be made of a cotton fabric with a blend of elastane so that the trouser has a slight stretch and is able to be fitted to the wearer. This should also mean that the trouser is comfortable to wear and retains its fitted shape.
Aphrodite Dress
Selene Blazer
Athena Dress
Phoebe Shirt
My mini design collection was not the success I had imagined, but no matter as it has taught me valuable skills which I can build upon so that future attempts are more successful.
My Fashion Film
Soundtracks have a great impact on any type of film. It can help create, build and strengthen the atmosphere. What sound track am I going to use??
When I started this project the original intention was to feature pieces from my own mini collection in the fashion film, but I really don’t like my collection, so I will use items from other sources, as a sort of promotional fashion film.
I will source the outfits from various designers such as; Basil Soda’s Spring 2010, Alexander McQueen’s A/W 2001. I think this will create a good variety of designers creations who I will name in end credits. I would also like to feature costume jewellery pieces from different designers.
Things I need to consider: -SOUND -LIGHTING -LOCATION/SETTING -PROPS -OUTFITS/JEWELLERY -EDITING -WHERE WOULD THIS FILM BE AIRED? FASHION FOCUSED WEBSITE? MUSEUM? TELEVISION? SOCIAL WEBSITE?
GOLD CUFF
CHANEL PRE A/W 2012
NECKLACE DESIGNED BY SHIREEN OF GILDA’S TRYST
Hair ornament in the form of an orchid made by Philippe Wolfers, Belgium, 1905-1907
I haven’t heard the right song yet, I’ll know it when I hear it...
I want my fashion film to be rich in opulence and luxury, echoing the respect and devotion the Greeks had for their gods, who they would pay tribute to in an abundance of gifts. What I really want to emphasise is the magic and enchanting images of mythological Greece.
BASIL SODA SPRING 2010
CHLOÉ S/S 2011
Inspiration for this film sequence came from my own holiday photos when I visited the Greek island Santorini and also a dance sequence from the 2007 film ‘300’ directed by Zack Snyder.
Film view
starts of a
a far off Greek temple.
The viewer is then transported to the base of an intimidating base of a mountain where the temple is perched at the top.
Within the temple we travel along the temple entrance. Pillars and flame filled basins fill the foreground and temporarily obscure the view of a woman walking along the temple entrance. Woman is wearing a fashion garment.
Three priestesses, heads bowed, all wearing fashion garments, firstly looking down towards the ground and then in unison, lustfully look directly into the camera.
In the foreground, a hand, wearing a piece of costume jewellery is sprinkling a fine powder into a bowl which is releasing an enticing scent. In the background, a model, wearing a fashion garment, is awakening to the hypnotic scent floating towards her.
In unison the priestesses (all dressed in the same garments from their previous shot) turn and walk away leaving the viewer behind.
The camera returns to a head shot of the model, who is now wearing jewellery pieces. She is slowly awakening and beginning to rise from the ground.
With the scent filled bowl in the foreground, the camera moves slowly to the right focusing on the model who is moving in an entranced manner.
As the scent bowl begins to leave the shot, the model throws herself forwards.
The camera is now facing the model (her arms covered in costume pieces of jewellery), who is clawing at the ground moving slowly backwards away from the camera.
In one violent motion, the model throws her head back. As her hair exits the shot, the model is revealed wearing a garment, her arms still covered in the jewellery from the previous shot so that there is some form of continuity.
Cut to a torso shot which reveals the model in a new garment. The model begins to perform an erotic dance which incorporates smooth movements which show off the movements of the fabric of the garment.
Full body shot. New garment being worn. The model is using soft chiffon fabric. Which obscure her from view temporarily to reveal her in a new garment.
New shot. Camera pans slowly down the model/ dancer’s neck wearing a costume jewellery piece.
New shot. Camera moves slowly up the model/dancer’s arm, covered in costume jewellery pieces.
New shot. Camera moves slowly across the model/dancer’s chest wearing a new piece of costume jewellery.
The camera returns to a full body shot of the model/dancer, dressed in a new garment. The dancer comes to the end of her erotic dance, and then collapses on the floor.
New shot. The camera is facing the model/dancer, her arms full of new jewellery pieces, who is still, and the camera slowly zooms in towards her face.
The camera is up close, when the model/dancer suddenly looks up, her eyes staring down the camera intensely, looking directly at the viewer.
The camera fades to pitch black, where the credits then fade in and out of the blackness.
I have not been able to come to a final conclusion of this project. Although I like the illustrations I have made using my mood-boards as the starting blacks of my inspiration, I do not think that the final illustration image relfects my concept clearly. With more time, I would make a new mini collection which I preffer and that reflects my concept of this project more clearly. I would also like to go further with my fashion film, and see the film being made. I would want to sbe in charge of sourcing the outsits, styling etc but I would need to collaborate with a director, a camera man and other external sources for the more technical aspects of the film, but I can envisage the final product which gets me quite excited.