MIDDLESEX ART & DESIGN SHOW
2013
LAB O RAT O R Y
1_MARTA WRZESINKA_ HANNAH BENT_LUELLA DEL BASSO_LISA DAHLGREN _GRACE PEVERALL_ NATALINA PISAPIA_ ANNA GILES_ PHIL HEALEY_ MARYNA VRUBLEVSKA _SIMON MARTIN_ JUSTINA CESNAUSKYTE_ DOROTA HOSOVSKA_ ALEXANDER O’CONNOR _STEFAN ESMAEILI_ LANA FUREY_15
2013
Fashion Communication and Styling is a multi-disciplinary course, which provides the opportunity to interact with a wide array of visual communication methods such as styling, photography, film, graphic communication and art direction. Students and staff involved in the course are a varied collective of creatives; together we produce tomorrow’s stylists, bloggers, photographers, filmmakers, animators, graphic designers, art directors, innovators, image-makers and independent thinkers. Fashion is our language. MDX
The work produced by the graduates at The Truman Show displayed a variety of work focusing on what I thought were the elements of luxury fashion and fashion on the internet, relating to resources such as Blogs and Instagram. I gained various inspiration from Graduates: Luella Del Basso and Hannah Bent in particular. Hannah’s use of illustration in her project, captivated me. As did Luella’s structured collection of objects, expressing a simple yet interesting layout. This year of graduates demonstrated strong ideas which in my opinion were more defined then the former graduates. The Photography shown at the Truman, especially the black and white imagery captured my attention, Graduates such as Maryna Vrublevska and Simon Martin in particular. I thought there Imagery expressed a high level of emotion and sense of space. I didnt choose any Fashion Photography to analyse as I found the other photographers work more captivating in emotion. I fet like I could relate to thses Photographers. It brough back a sense of time and place. The Fashion Catwalk Show displayed various Fashion and Textile Graduates which I think have shown an equal interest in both womenswear and menswear. Fashion Textiles Graduate Natalina Pisapia was one of my favourite Collections on the catwalk along side Grace Peverall. Both displayed a strong sense of texture and colour. I also Looked at Graphic Design and Illustration Graduates which I think had strong imagery, Lana Furey with her illustrative pieces ,involved great drama and Dorota Hosovska’s collages show strong depts of research in her projects truely expressing image and meaning. When Displaying work at the Truman Show, a great deal of consideration needs to be accounted for when displaying your work, as for many graduates this a key element in ensuring your project captures the attention of the audience and communicates your work in the best way. From expressing my views on the Truman Show and selecting various Graduates from across the Art and Design spectrum, I have gathered various inspiration and ideas for helping me to determine my own strengths and weaknesses, which medium will wok best for me. This can now highlight my previous work so I can work on what to produce.
LAB O RAT O R Y MIDDLESEX ART & DESIGN SHOW
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Fashion Communication and Styling student Marta Wrzesinska created her final project based around the brand Cos. She produced a photo shoot and look-book for the brand. Her Concept was brand promotion and advertising which i am also interesting in pursuing the same outcome for my project. By focusing on the brand Cos she has created a luxury campaign images using the brands clothing. Her work is based around mixed media, and she focuses on luxury brands, taking into consideration the style and the brand image when creating the Lookbook. Marta’s final outcome is very pristine in the campaign as well as the Lookbook. She captures the exact image of Cos and presents this well. By Creating both a Lookbook and campaign she had the option to produce a graphic outcome and was able to style the models. From looking at her work I would also like to have the option to style and present my work in a graphical manner, such as a look book or campaign, therefore I think advertising may be a good choice for me to research and take into consideration as Marta did to use a brand which you can relate to and feel you can visually express he style of.
MARTA WRZESINSKA MDX
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Hannah has created a bookzine based on luxury fashion. Her Illustrations were the reason why I felt visually excited by her work, i really like the use of her simple black and white format mixed with her simple and effective illustrations. She pulls various prints and logos from brands such as Louis vitton and Chanel. She also incorporates ideas involving symbols, superstitions , branding, print and pattern. Her work is possibly my favourite of this years graduates as I like the uses of mixed media in her pieces, from using print making, to photography. I feel her work to be visually stimulating. If I were to recreate this project i would think about injecting some more colour into the final bookzine. Her work is very expressive as you can see from her illustrations and captions such as the name of her bookzine ‘fake shit’. I have seen from this years fashion communication and styling graduates, a high interest in Luxury Fashion. From creating various campaigns for a luxury brand to using brand illustrations and researching into the rise of luxury brands internationally. Hannah has researched and expressed her opinion of luxury brands by creating this image of ‘Fakeness’ within luxury brands, which I find very interesting how she has expressed this through mixed media.
HANNAH BENT MDX
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FASHION _____COMMUNICATION AND STYLING
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TRUMAN SHOW Luella’s Final Major Project expresses simplicity and factual evidence of Luxury Brands focusing on the country China. The Photographic Imagery displays forms of arranged products, placed in an innovative way. The detail caught in the imagery is magnifying, capturing every link and shape in the jewellery she has collected. I liked her exploration into Luxury branding as this gave the project an initial focus into how it was researched and then she took consideration as to how her objects and imagery was to be displayed. Luella’s items which she had scanned in, was a very simple yet effective idea. The placing of the images on the scanner also relates to various ways in which people layout objects when packing a suitcase or creating a series of related objects. I liked how systematic her project was. Her outcome was simple and pristine. The typography she used complimented her imagery. The questions which she asked herself were why did consumers buy luxury items and who were these consumers? The project was throughly thought out and researched to give a series of outcomes such as a newspaper style magazines and booklets. However she contradicted the use of luxury in her style of printing by using recycled papers instead of a glossy style format. Her work was by far the most informative, compared to other Communication and Styling Students. Her work defiantly communicates with her audience.
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LUELLA DEL BASSO
FASHION _____COMMUNICATION AND STYLING
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What inspires you as a creative individual? It depends really. When I was younger I was often inspired by illustrations but now my aesthetic has moved onto more simple things. As dull as this sounds, a clean and well balanced layout can spark plenty of creative ideas for me. what inspired your final outcome? For FMP3 I wanted to continue exploring statistics surrounding luxury fashion. After some initial research, I discovered the relevance China has to the growing success sector and used this country as the basis for my project. what inspired your layout and magazine format? I found looking at existing publications very helpful in understanding how to balance imagery with text on a page. Nolayout.com and gestalten books feature some of my more favourable layout styles. whats your favourite part of the project? The development stage. During the initial research stage I am never fully sure what the outcome will be but for me, the challenge of transforming what I’ve found into something new and more personal is what holds my attention the most. Why did you create this outcome? is there a narrative behind it? I created 5 booklets as the outcome for FMP3 because I wanted to condense some of the statistics about the luxury fashion industry in China into sections. They had an order and followed a narrative which ranged from the first booklet called ‘quantity’ which looked into the textile industry through to the fifth booklet called ‘consumers’ which explored who buys luxury goods and why. What would you say are your best skills? Layout and focus. Once I have a solid idea, I tend to work on a project non-stop until I am satisfied with the outcome. what made this project successful? Thorough research and considered design play a part in every stage of the project which proves that there was a depth of consideration and understanding of the subject I chose. would you have changed anything about your final outcome? When it came to handin I hadn’t properly considered the space in which I was presenting my work. So if I could have changed something it would have been how I presented the project as a whole as it could have been displayed in a more professional way if I had made time for this. where did you get the magazine/booklet printed? Booklets I made myself using recycled paper and printing in the library and all my newspapers were printed at the newspaper club. what are your future prospects? I hope to gain more experience of the luxury industry by working within this sector.
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LISA DAHLGREN
Lisa Dahlgren creates a exciting male suit. The splashes of green and metal fixtures on the jacket compliment the free drawn aztec style print on the shirt. The colours used are neon and have a grid structure. The Look I think is visually exciting and creates a feminine feel for a mens suit. The Look is brought together by the matching colours seen on the shoes. The metal strips on the jacket create structure next to the lime green splashes of colour on the jacket overall with the aztec pattern create a tribal look. The trousers turned up at the end and the use of trainer daps, persuade you to think the outfit is worn casually ,however if it had been styled with metallic silver shoes could give the look more of an edge and could be also worn as an evening suit. The Metal on the jacket creates a masculine element to the outfit. The overall look remind me of colours seen in Paul Smith and the playful prints relate to the shirts and suits seen in various collections by Agi&Sam. This Look created by Dahlgren I think is also practical and yet still visually captivating.
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GRACE PEVERALL
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5
The eye print is unmissable on Fashion Textiles Designer Grace Peverall’s, matching jacket and trousers. The close up of the iris, is distinctively different from the other designers shown at the Truman. From the use of the perfectly tailed garment in contrast with the vibrant pupils used. The multi coloured pupils add an extra bizarre factor to the print, expressing a psychedelic element to the print. The transparent shoes are of good choice not to take away the attention from the trousers. The overlay of the transparent simple dress over the top of the outfit gives extra shape and adds a casual factor to the look as a whole making the trouser top combination less sophisticated. The eye print can be seen in Moschino Cheap and Chic Fall 2012 collection, where various eyes are systematically used on a dress print. The crisp use of white material accentuates the various colours used in the print. The blue section breaks up the trousers and jacket so the outfit is not mistaken for a all in one. I think a strong colour like the blue is needed to add some depth to the overall look.
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NATALINA PISAPIA
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FASHION _____TEXTILES
Textures are the main theme shown in Natalina’s look. However the choice of shape used for the symmetrical floral print shape on the trousers first attracted me to the the overall look. The elegant trousers contrast with the mixed style of fabrics used on the top. However the two pieces are pulled together by the feminine shapes and pastel colours. the draped shoulder material is random but works. The Styling portrays I think a modern chic geek. The glasses gave me the main indication of this, then the high tech laser cut plastic bag. The attire gives a sense of day time wear. I think Natalia may have taken her inspiration from previous Lanvin collections due to the colours and ruffles used. however it gives strong indication of texture taken from Christopher Kane’s SS13 collection. This look has a mixed media feel, a patchwork of textures. The trousers I think are the strongest asset to the overall outfit. Personally the shoes could have had more thought. However the Designer may have wanted them to be given no attention, therefore has opted for a nude pair of wedges A textured or plastic/metallic shoe could have worked well with the accessories already used.
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ANNA GILES
The material used on Anna’s fashion textiles garment is highly contrasting with the metallic scattered bugs. The pink colour gives a sense of a young girl. whereas the metallic green bugs bring the dress to life. Creating this feminine yet tomboy feel. Styled with the matching shoes, again portrays an outfit fit for a 7 year old. a playful and youthful colours, yet a feminine and flattering shape of the dress. The element of the third colour white, works well to bring the outfit together keeping the young edge on the outfit. However the polar neck screams sophisticated again relating to the elegant shape of the dress. I like the play on the imagination with the shape contrasting the colours. I chose this dress as one of my favourite pieces because the simplicity of the shape and the metallic bugs caught my eye. i liked how it was photographed on the chosen model, the dress compliments her skin tone and works well as a whole look. This outfit express a style of Harajuku girls with the matching shoes and baby pink colours contrasting with the bug like motif. I feel describing a character from an anime film or comic. FASHION _____TEXTILES
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PHOTOGRAPHY
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PHIL HEALEY I think the use of the ‘obvious’ in these images instantly draws you to them, such as the arrow and the use of the dinosaur and ice-cream van give humour and provoke thoughts, making your created your individual representation of the objects used. These photographs make our imagination question what why? and also created the sense of the if the image wasn’t taken in this particular way the image would not display such odd and questionable images. The use of composition is a key factor as you can imagine being stood in that spot and what would surround you. I get a sense of atmosphere. These images have a childish view, being simply taken and the photographic matter. The colours used in the images are comfortable and are not too busy. I like the simplicity of the images, yet ironically they are not simple. The Images as described by Healey explain the bizarre making you question, Did I miss something here? Using a portrait style instead of horizontal, shows you the build up to the image, suggesting the walk you would take to go closer to the arrow or van. A pathway.
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MARYNA VRUBLEVSKA
The images which Maryna photographs, captures the true character and emotion of the subjects. Her photographs give a sense of feeling and you can see this through the body language. Again I have chosen black and white images. I feel black and white photographs persuade you to notice more of the shadows and highlights in the photograph. Especially seen on the old lady in the car in the first image, capturing the detail on her skin and face and on the second image, highlighting the furniture in the room. I also like the flawless look a black and white filter gives to an image. I feel most black and white photography also creates this timeless frame. The use of people in these images I think gives the scene a narrative and shows the people are not just placed in the picture for a portrayed pose. Therefore the poses they are given then create a narrative. I also like the use of both old and young subjects in the images I have chosen, it gives us a sense of different cultures. The pose in which is captured in these images gives us a sense of curiosity about these characters, making us question their everyday lives.
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No. SIMON MARTIN
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PHOTOGRAPHY
10
I was instantly drawn to Simon’s Photography because of the composition and the location inwhich these photographs were taken. growing up our main holiday would be Butlins or Haven. therefore his pictures captured distant memories of mine. I like the rawness he captures of the places displaying Britains rubbish atempt at creating these fabulous holiday homes. The Black and White quality to the photograph expresses the element of time. Meaning this photograph could have been taken 10 years ago or even present day. Holiday Homes as Brits well know, hardly ever get refurbished. I think thats what makes them so remarkable. Martin’s work revisits the past of found memories we all encountered as children with families and friends. Either going on our first seaside holiday or religiously visiting the same location every year with mum, dad and the grandparents. I also get the feeling these pictures were not planned to be taken on days of sunshine, however to capture the gritty realism of the British summer. Come rain or shine. His Photographs are simple, yet trigger a lot of personal memories and feelings. This then draws you to these specific places and we rediscover our found love of them and how distinctively British they are.
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PHOTOGRAPHY
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Justina photography shows true passion. She captures the true art form of burlesque dancing from her classic black and white photography. Justina comments thats burlesque is all very thought out - make-up, hairstyle, costume , choreography and music. Every burlesque dancers is as distinctive as its style never seen two similar performances or costume. She shows us not only the Lithuanian burlesque dancers on stage but also from the dark backstage. This is the essence of her photography which shows depth within the imagery, making your eyes analyse every detail in the image, from the draping curtains to the detail in the dancers outfit. Again I have focused on a photographer who likes working in black and white, I feel this does give the image a timeless feel, as burlesque dancers are normally related with the past then present day. Her subject matter of burlesque dancers, was also of interest to me as it represents old glamour. As now burlesque dancing is somewhat of a tasteful manner compared to Strip clubs. Burlesque dancing has now been given a classic and exclusive label it has become more of a leisure activity then a job role. Overall Justina’s photographs capture a beautiful scenes, captured with spectacular lighting highlighting the art of burlesque.
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JUSTINA CESNAUSKYTE PHOTOGRAPHY
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GRAPHIC DESIGN
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GRAPHIC DESIGN
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DOROTA HOSOVSKA
Graphics Designer Dorota hosovska creates a poster based on the element of collage. The composition and use of imagery drew me to this particular image. Especially the reason behind using these particular images combined with text. She created a Magazine called 101010, which are a series of collages made from images and text taken from newspapers on the date of 10.10.2010. This idea I thought was very different from the usual graphic orientated projects. Having meaning and structure behind the images. Creating these random collages, however both the image and text having only a date in common. Dorota’s work as seen online on behance.net expresses different elements from illustration to photography. I especially like her use of composition in her designs. I feel this is a strong skill of hers as the imagery is never too busy. From viewing her work I also like her style of the background image creating a background for her text. this is a skill I would like to experiment with in my work. Therefore I shall take inspiration from her work. The typography in her projects is bold and never understated however always compliments the image.
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GRAPHIC DESIGN
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13 ALEXANDER O’CONNOR
GRAPHIC DESIGN
I chose to focus on Alex O’Connor and his project based on the clothing brand Ted Baker. I like his idea of extending the brand to cater for different cultures with his ‘In Japan’ focus. The graphics produced on this project displays simplicity. Especially in the typography which expresses an element of playfulness. The whole project which alex has produced is very interesting and out the box thinking, he has created his own subject matter for the brand. I have found this idea very intriguing and it has given me inspiration to consider creating a new topic for a brand. by creating my own new look or subject for a particular brand. If I were to have produced the same project as Alex I would have taken the Ted Baker brand and graphics into more consideration, such as strong typography should be used and more of a classic typography then free hand. However I like the overall idea produced. I think the strongest element to the Ted Baker project would be the illustrations used. I think the illustrations work well with the ted baker brand and capture the essence of the iconic British bowler hat and the gentleman in the suit. The umbrella also being a key subject when considering English culture can also relate to The Japanese Climate, who have similar seasons to England.
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GRAPHIC DESIGN
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14 TRUMAN SHOW
Stefan creates these series of Ministry of Sound posters to advertise the clubs ‘Saturday Sessions’ over three months. The Posters are based of his conception of the clubs atmosphere and image. The posters are expressive and create this messy feeling and excitement with the splashes of colour. The saturday sessions text is not obvious but i think this works as the background. I Like the use of minimal text at the bottom of this particular poster as its simple and easily readable giving a structure of dates and whats on. As many of the students also created various posters based on this brief i found Stefan’s more to my taste and style of imagery and text. The photographic image used as the background shows an element of rawness as the lettering and paint techniques are of a home-made element. which in graphics i prefer a more traditional and simple technique then too much going on. From looking at Stefan’s Behance profile, I found i much preferred his typography positioning in most of his projects, therefore i can take inspiration from this. If I were to create this advertisement poster for Ministry of Sound, I would have introduced black into the poster colours as this is a very strong colour used on the Ministry of Sound website. I would have also used brighter colours such as neon, it portrays more of a clubbing sensation.
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STEFAN ESMAEILI
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15
ILLUSTRATION
Lana Furey’s Degree Project was inspired by the Director Alfred Hitchcock and his iconic Films/Film Posters such as Psycho and The Birds. The Illustrations which Lana has produced captivated me through the strong use of print and colour. The black infused with the red really captures the essence of Hitchcock. I choose to focus on Lana as I am very excited by Film Noir especially the film posters, I can see from her final outcome that she took Hitchcock’s previous poster designs into consideration. Graphic Illustrators such as Saul Bass may have been her main inspiration as he to uses strong colours, simple shapes and bold text to create a visually exciting poster. I find them visually captivating as so lana’s project was of fascination to me. Seeing this project has helped me to realise maybe a Campaign style project would be best suited to me. I like the idea of creating a poster concept. Lana’s style of illustration is very strong and assertive. The Birds piece being my favourite with the layering of the bird images to create the face. The use of letterpress is also seen in the typography which i think works well with the illustrative pieces. ILLUSTRATION
LANA FUREY
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