IMOGEN BOWMAN PORTFOLIO
ABSTRACTIONS GRADUATE COLLECTION | JUNE 2014
The art works of both Mark Rothko and Robert Rauschenberg predominantly inspire my graduate collection, ABSTRACTIONS. Both artists are linked to the abstract expressionist movement and used form, line and colour to express their independent visions, an aesthetic that I wanted to translate into garments. I have used various textile approaches to carry this inspiration into a multi-faceted collection of wearable interpretations of abstract art. This creates garment ‘canvases’ reminiscent of Rauschenburg's 'Jammers' series and Rothko’s iconic mono-prints. Rothko's use of colour, specifically in the works 'Blue and Grey 1962' and 'Blue, Orange, Red 1961' directly influenced the colour palette of the collection. Within my research, dynamic images of artists working within their studios uncovered certain stereotypes of the artists uniform- that of the casual, utilitarian look- which has inspired construction, silhouette and styling within the collection.
ABSTRACTIONS
GRADUATE FASHION WEEK 2014 | UK
RESEARCH & CONCEPT
COLOUR & FABRIC
SKETCHBOOK DEVELOPMENT
TEXTILES DEVELOPMENT
3D DEVELOPMENT
ABSTRACTIONS
GRADUATE COLLECTION | SEPT 2013
TECHNICAL FLATS DIRECTORY
ABSTRACTIONS LOOKBOOK
LEFT: SHEER ROTHKO DRESS, UTILITY KIMONO JACKET RIGHT: RAUSCHENBURG DRESS
ROTHKO OVERSIZED KNIT
ABSTRACTIONS LOOKBOOK
INTO THE ARCTIC
PRE-COLLECTION | JAN 2014
was inspired by a selection of vintage photos of arctic exploration and native Inuit Eskimos, traditional-versus-western takes on what arctic-survival clothing entails. This research also lead to ideas surrounding the contemporary significance of the melting glaciers, and how fragile this entire arctic culture is becoming. This inspired me to experiment with ways of fabric manipulation that can represent human change on the environment, metaphorically explored through the way a garment reacts to being worn. I began to incorporate wire into garment seams to mould and change with wear. This lead me to integrate sculptural wire jewellery pieces into the garments. These are sewn into bindings and exposed from frayed parts of the garments, a more visually literal interpretation of the topic. INTO THE ARCTIC
INTO THE ARCTIC
PRE-COLLECTION | JAN 2014
RESEARCH & CONCEPT
COLOUR & FABRIC
3D DEVELOPMENT
EXTERNAL WIRE-INTEGRATED COCOON DRESS
INTO THE ARCTIC LOOKBOOK
INTO THE ARCTIC LOOKBOOK
INTERNAL WIRE-INTEGRATED PARKA JACKET
BROOKLYN
MINOR PROJECT | SEPT 2013
was inspired by a summer spent living in the NYC borough. I was fascinated by the melting-pot of cultures that inhabit Brooklyn, and the creative, inspired lifestyle this creates for all who live within it. Through my experiences living there combined with further visual research, I became intrigued with the historical sports culture of Brooklyn. Much inspiration is drawn from vintage sports uniforms, stitching and lacing details, and graphic qualities of sports court markings. Photographs of vintage Brooklyn streetstyle, combined with current sportswear trends, influenced the silhouettes in the colleciton. This was purely a research and design focused project.
BROOKLYN
RESEARCH & CONCEPT
COLOUR & FABRIC
BROOKLYN
MINOR PROJECT | SEPT 2013
PRINT DEVELOPMENT