Contextual Studies - My Own Work + Evaluation.

I don't tend to have a set context to my work but many inspirations. Most of my inspiration comes from online blogs and randomly found images. Once given a brief or theme it can usually take just one colour in an image or shape to give me my idea. My work is very “New-Age” i tend too research current designers and artists that are inspired by today’s streets styles and current trends.

My specialist is textiles but i tend too mix it up with graphics. I use alot of digital imagery in my textiles designs i prefer to use Photoshop than doing a collage. Saying that , one of my most found loves is print—digital or screen i am constantly pushing my materials inks and media.

I think Cristobel Balenciaga a designer of the 1930’s and Jodie McKenzie a designer of today, have a very similar context too there work as i wish too have. Balenciaga started the shift in changing the silhouette of the body that was later adapted in the 80’s which Jodie’s McKenzie takes much inspiration from.

The way i work is very similar too Balenciaga in the way as Vogues said .. Ahead of time . He was always ahead with his design's taking them one step further, as i do while taking inspiration from designers like Jodie i play around with hot trends and try too make my design’s “in fashion” trying too come up with new ideas as suppose too working alongside vintage and historic. Know one can ever not take inspirations from the past , fashion is one big circle thats comes back around but im trying to break that circle by taking inspiration from on trend designers and adding my own flair.

Contextual Studies - Historical

Yves Saint Laurent was a French fashion designer. After moving to Paris and graduating as star pupil , Saint Larent brought a number a sketches to de Brunhoff who recognized close similarities to sketched he had been shown that morning by Christian Dior. Brunhoff send Laurent to Dior ,who hired him on the spot.

Although Dior recognized his talent It wasn't till 1957 that Dior had decided to succeed Laurent as a designer. Shortly after at the age of 54 Dior passed away leaving Saint Laurent aged 21 the head of House of Dior. Saving the company with his 1958 spring collection : the straight line of his creations, and a soft version of Dior’s new look.

During the 1960’s and 70’s, the firm popularized fashion trends such as the beatnik look , safari jackets for women and men and thigh high boots. And arguably the most famous classic tuxedo suit for woman in 1966. also started mainstreaming the idea of wearing silhouettes from the 1920’, 30’s , 40’s .

In my opinion the first designer to take a step back as well as forward.

Contextual Studies - Historical

Balenciaga was born in Guetaria, Spain. Where he grew up spending time with his mother working as a seamstress . At the age of 12 he started working as a tailor then in his early teens was sent away to Madrid to be formally trained.

Balenciaga was successful during his early career as a designer in Spain opening a boutique in 1919. But it wasn't till the post-war years that he as a designer really kicked off. In 1951 , he totally transformed the silhouette, broadening the shoulder and removing the waist. Balenciaga always seemed to be several steps ahead and had what VOGUE called “flame of prophecy”.

Contextual Studies.

Jeffery Campbell is a small family based fashion forward footwear label. The label is said to be based around vintage inspirations, runway trending and the grind of every day life. “ Our inspiration comes from everyday woman, the girl on the street, the lady on the subway, the inspiration is you”
Making comfortable shoes catering for woman of all ages , his designs are crazy and ahead of time giving any simple outfit the edge you want. He is always mixing up the design ,processes and materials from simple suede's too printed leathers his collection is stylish yet affordable.

I think what i like about his collections along with Jodie McKenzie's designs is that they are inspired by the young girl of the street. Unique and individual styles are inspiring these great pieces that anybody could wear.

Contextual Studies.

Jodie McKenzie Australian designer and founder of Evil Twin.

Jodie began her training at the Whitehouse institute of Design and worked in the fashion industry for four years. Then in 2008 she was given the chance to start her own line. Her goal was to create a label that offered edgy, fashion forward everyday clothing.

As a youngster, Jodie rebelled against being dressed the same as her twin sister. Yet she is said to be inspiration for the brand as she wore a lot of bold punk and 80’s vintage. She also finds the most inspiring looks are created by regular people who mix high fashion with casual or vintage clothing and put ther own personal twist on it.

"It’s all about confidence and attitude in an outfit"

I think the purpose to her clothing is to give you that carless, affordable edge that you can wear in your own way. She designs clothing to cater for all ages ,shapes and sizes. Her clothing is up to date and in fashion but you don't wear the style. You wear the clothes they don't wear you. And this is what i like about her brand.

New Addiction.

I have fallen in love with the whole hippie look thats in this season. and these two sisters are all about that . There new album is definitely at the top off my summer music list i have had it on repeat since i got it, with all the stress from college its definently the best to chill out too. What i would have done to be a teen in the 60's.
check them out - The Pierces.

Turn around

This is the start of my new blog turn around . we have been told to get started on a blog to publish our work more and post inspiration so im starting back up with this one. These are images by an artist called Beth Hoeckel who i took huge inspiration from for my new project. i came across her while reading the topshop blog. i just love her style and how she keeps it throughout her work. Keeping with the same pallete and affects to her images . i love how she plays around with proportion and scale.