Personal Brief
The main intentions for my Locating Unit brief are to both broaden my portfolio through sampling and to gain greater knowledge of the current market, in order to decide where it is that I could envisage myself after graduating.
The initial concept evolved from my passion of French Knotting. Instead of looking at the knot as an embellishment on surface, I am going to begin this project by researching into the different patterns and textures that are produced through said technique. To do this I shall be taking reference from Clifford W. Ashley’s The Ashley Book of Knots. To begin visual research, I will create expressive drawings, looking at the shapes and patterns produced, then thinking about how they could be manipulated for development and sampling purposes.
Alongside my research into knots, I shall also be looking at another passion, embellishment, hoping to link the two subjects together through sampling. My initial research for embellishment will be taken from mood boards created via Pinterest, artist research, and also own photography.
I am aiming to create a body of samples through a range of both hand and machine embroidery. I would like to develop my stitch research in terms of use of the industrial machines, predominantly the Cornelys and Irish, in order to broaden my portfolio with techniques that I am fond of. I am going to push the idea of textures, scales and materials used to sample with, in order to show experimentation.
In terms of how this brief will relate to my previous works, I feel that constructing my own brief guidelines will allow me to push the boundaries of experimentation through my preferred style and techniques.
Looking at where my work fits in the current industry, I am going to explore different aspects of my preferred markets- interiors and design for fashion through market research- before making a solid decision as to where I would like to be based in the Textile world.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In regards to my chosen live competition brief, Dash and Miller, I am researching designer, Elie Saab. By doing this I shall be pushing the boundaries of my comfort zone- I have always believed to be interested in interiors, however designing for fashion seems to be most appropriate for the setting of my work in industry.
I have chosen to produce a collection of samples for Elie Saab for his heavy embellishments, soft colour palettes and attention to detail through lace and cutwork, all elements that I have always been inspired by. For visual research in regards to this brief I am going to look into his past collections, researching fabrics and materials that are used. I shall also construct a fabric/ yarn technical file in order to broaden my knowledge as to different weights and prices amongst the markets. After doing this, I shall produce mood boards showing colours, embellishments and patterns that I intend on using to produce my samples.
I shall combine my two briefs together for development, taking the patterns that I create in my personal brief to initiate sample production. Overall, I am hoping to produce a range of samples that are suitable to be used in an Elie Saab collection, with the designs both showing that I have been inspired by his pieces, yet created through my own personal working style.