[SUMMER VIBRANCE] S/S15
[CONTACT]
E-MAIL JANE.ANDERSON1@HOTMAIL.COM MOBILE- 07895858380 WEBSITE- WWW.WIX.COM/JANEANDERSON/PORFOLIO
[SUMMER VIBRANCE] INSPIRATION DEVELOPMENT FABRIC SAMPLES POTENCIAL OUTCOMES
S/S15
We set out in the forest To seek the wild mushroom In shapes diverse and colourful Shining through the woodland bloom ‘Crisp, graphic drawings of growing fungi upon translucent warm ombres. A palette of yellows, oranges and pinks, reminiscent of bright summer days, combined with contrasting black. A vibrant, bold trend with delicate qualities.’ Initial research inspired by photos taken in Storthes Hall Forest in early autumn. This led to further visual research into all varying types of fungi that nature has created. I experimented by looking at different aspects of my chosen subject: the shape, textual details, colour, tones, etc. I also looked at a wide variety of possible techniques and ways of working. Impressed by the vibrant range of colours, I was overwhelmed by the oranges, yellows and pinks of some fungi and the clear lines of their organic shapes. I felt that these combined together to give a feeling of fresh, crisp summer days, when colours are vibrant and vision is clear in the bright sunlight. The palette complemented this theme by combining sunlight yellows, pinks and oranges with contrasting with charcoal black. The result was the collection called Summer Vibrance.
[DEVELOPMENT] Summer Vibrance is a collection focussing on the shape and form of organic growing fungi. Development led from painting and drawings of colourful fungi to the overlapping of elements to create translucent qualities. Throughout my developmental work I experimented within my sketchbook, drawing, painting and using these as inspiration for designs, but also overlaying designs using acetate and other media. Black ink was used for initial drawings, which were then developed further through manipulation in Photoshop and Illustrator resulting in graphical repeat patterns.
[SAMPLING] I transferred my ideas onto fabric using a range of techniques. Testing was key in this project; a wide range of specialist techniques were explored, developed and combined. The results were evaluated and then further investigation followed on, until I was satisfied with the final results. Printing techniques such as screen printing, devore, discharge, and digital were employed. I also experimented with tie dying.
I experimented with over-layering printing techniques, trying different orders of processes in order to evaluate the result. I found different dyes created different effects – the overlapped prints looked different depending on which dyes and techniques had been used. For my fabric to still feel soft and wearable, but still show my designs as intended, I found reactive Remazol dyes worked the best.
Experimentation on certain fabrics gave different interesting results and I discovered that different processes complimented particular features in the designs in a variety of ways. Devore played a big role in my work as I felt the effects achieved worked well with my theme. Using devore on a hazelwood fabric resulted in leaving delicate sections of just one yarn rather than two, which resulted in an effective textural contrast fabric. The fabric chosen eventually was sheer, light and delicate which I felt suited my theme, as well as the final garments I thought could be produced for the fashion retail market.
[OUTCOME] The creation of a collection of fashion prints potentially aimed for womenswear, (at the higher end of the market as the fabric is of a delicate quality). Consideration of established companies and outlets such as ASOS and Debenhams; outlets for high fashion garments such as a summer evening dress or a sheer sophisticated printed shirt.