About Optimism and a note from Victoria
Hello! Welcome to my Optimism look book. I hope you enjoy seeing my collection come to life, I think my best work so far....!? Anyway, I have pretty much poured my heart and soul into this project, and you know I am so happy with the result. Hours of hard work and stress and equal amounts of love are in optimism, and I would be massively excited to know that others enjoy this collection. So, if you do, let me know! [ On the back page of this there's all the places to find me J ].
Optimism is all about my feelings of this year, things go wrong but things also go right, so its optimistic. I also found the whole idea of people giving up on wearing nice clothes because they weren’t going out a bit sad, and I just wear whatever I want even if I am just going for a walk because I am doing it for myself. So, this project is all about just doing something to make yourself happy, and just finding the good in the bad even if it does feel a bit shit. My models are my friends and myself, we are just normal girls with imperfection, illnesses, similarities and differences and that’s what makes us unique and special. And to finish my little introduction, here is one of my favorite quotes which helped me along the path of this collection. “Life is texture” – Elizabeth Day. Love Victoria x This collection is dedicated to Pepe, my studio companion. You deserved so many more years than life gave you. I miss and love you more than you will ever know.
The Dresses
Every part of the optimism collection was created by Victoria herself. From the construction of the pattern blocks, to the screen printing, and the final designing and sewing of each accessory and garment. Hours of work has gone into creating these garments and accessories, and making this whole project come to life!
Each dress is screen printed by hand on a variety of sheer mix fabrics, such as silk, satin and organza. Each fabric is different to make it unique to the dress but they still all work together to form a collection.
You can mix and match the dresses, under garments and accessories, to create a look that’s unique to you. Optimism is for everyone.
The Accessories All pieces are for mixing and matching to suit your style and mood each day. Micro sized bags are highly impractical but cute, perfect for Optimism project. Mercerized cotton pouches can be placed inside bigger bags to give a discreet style to your contents inside. Hair accessories can suit any hair type, long or short and can be dressed up or down for any occasion.
I have so many people to thank for the help and support that was given along the way to make all this possible. To the textile's technicians, helping me figure out the best way of printing my garments. As well as just keeping me going and being such a massive support every single day that I am with you. You have no idea how much I appreciate your generosity and kindness. To my friends, family, fellow students my tutor, Lucy and my mentor Joe. Who listen and probably think I am way too ambitious ... ! You know who you are, thank you too all of you. A special thank you to Rachel and Jason, my creative babes, who gave me so much encouragement for this project and just for my practice in general. The world needs to see how talented you both are. I appreciate your friendships so much. To my amazing photographer, Sophia. You are so brilliant, professional, kind and extremely patient. You made my collection come to life exactly how I wanted it to with your magical photography. I hope that we can work together again. And thanks to Tom for making the connection for us to collaborate, I am so happy with the results of the shoot! To my models and beautiful friends, Rachel and Chloe. Who never met before this shoot and hit it off from the start, which gave me so much happiness. I love you both, and I can't wait for us to all meet and work together again. To Bonnie, for trusting us with your incredible studio for the shoot! We had the best time, thank you. To Rachel [again!] my oldest and dearest friend. For being there when I always need you, through good and bad times. [Oh, and there really has been some bad times.] And for creating a film of the whole process of making Optimism. I can't even imagine how long it took you to edit all my rambling... You're the best. And finally, to Rachel Chloe and Sophia, for helping me with the final styling on the shoot. Chloe for doing our hair and being such a natural model. Rachel for knowing me so well when I couldn’t think straight, and just being my second brain! And to Sophia, who knows lighting and angles like a pro, this shoot came together because of you, thank you so much!
Find more about Victoria Instagram: @victoriacatten https://www.instagram.com/victoriacatten/?h l=en Pinterest: Victoria Catten https://pin.it/1nlay68 YouTube: Victoria Catten https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLFL67Fcwi 60XHFs1piZB0A/featured?view_as=subscriber The Dots : Victoria Catten https://thedots.com/users/victoria-catten-930485
Garment design, printer and maker: Victoria Catten. Final garment Styling: Victoria Catten and Rachel Hubbard. Photographer: Sophia Kapoor. Models: Victoria Catten, Chloe Parke and Rachel Hubbard. On shoot styling: Victoria Catten, Rachel Hubbard, Chloe Parke and Sophia Kapoor. Shoot location: Norwich UK.