Continuing my research into the live projects, I've managed to narrow it down to two that I find the most interesting/ exciting , Dash and Miller vs. Urban Outfitters;
Dash and Miller:
http://www.dashandmiller.com
Dash & Miller studio specialises in the design, development and production of woven fabrics for the fashion and interior industries. When I first began reading their competition brief, it was aimed at weave, but as told, I am being open minded towards it and can see a gap for it to be adapted in to. The main idea is to design a collection of samples for a chosen designer, looking at their past trends and manipulating it into a new, yet fitting sample. I like the idea of choosing a designer to research, as it gives a starting point for the unit. Another advantage is that it is encouraged to look at both apparel and interior, and I am still unsure which direct path I am wanting to take. I have always been inspired by both, with the likes of Elie Saab and say, Laura Ashley. As I am wanting to use the key theme of embellishment, it would be more common to use on apparel, but can be adapted.
Urban Outfitters:
http://www.urbanoutfitters.co.uk
http://www.artsthread.com/urban-outfitters-arts-thread-design-competition-holiday-gift-shop-14/
For the Urban Outfitters brief, you are asked to design the ultimate statement piece to complete any holiday look, with a christmas inspired theming. I am VERY inspired by statement pieces, jewels and embellishments at the moment, so it would seem to be the perfect brief, however without a focused starting point, and without wanting to copy designs that are already found in the current market, it would be difficult to create. It is also a nice idea to be able to incorporate my love of knotting- I just don't want to fall flat out of ideas before the eight weeks is up.
I am possibly going to go with the Dash and Miller project, though that's not final decision. There is always the option of combining the two, something that I will need to talk to Fiona about in next week's tutorial. I am thinking that I could base my personal brief upon knotting and jewellery as a concept, leading on to creating prints from their forms for a selected Dash and Miller brand. We'll see...