a past to present silhouette.

For this weeks fashion drawing assignment we studied the idea of fashion silhouettes. The requirements for the assignment were to research a past fashion figure that we found inspiring or interesting and in paper render the silhouette of our chosen figure. Using that constructed historic silhouette, the next step was to develop our own modern silhouette inspired by the historic figure. Once developing our modern silhouette we were to render this character in 5 different poses and then compile the final 5 silhouettes on one large sheet of paper (while paying attention to our composition).

For my historic figure I chose the Egyptian Goddess Isis. I was drawn to the extremities that extended from her body, such as the feathers and the 'antler-like' object on her head. I believed these objects would make an interesting and geometric silhouette that I could easily relate to a current fashion figure. When developing my fashion silhouette I played with the feathers as inspiration and placed them on the head of my character. The geometric aspect of my historic character and the extremities that extend from the body influenced the very structured clothing I dressed my figure in. Within a fashion figure the face is an important platform for expression and way to evoke the mood of a collection, which is why I felt it was important to have one of my five silhouettes be a detail of my fashion figures' face. This also allowed me to clarify the feather headpiece.

don't drop a stitch.

For the past two weeks I have been 're-learning' how to knit. A few years ago I asked my grandma to teach me how to knit. Generously she gave me a bunch of yarn and a few needles and attempted to show me how to knit. I think I was able to knit for two days before I kept running into the same problem and forgot to do certain things. So I could never really say I was able to knit since I quickly forgot. When I found out we were going to be taught how to knit in my intermediate fiber, fabric, fashion class I was motivated to actually learn and pick up the technique so I could officially say 'I know how to knit'. In class we were taught the basic stitches for knitting: Purl stitch, knit stich, and ribbing. After completing quite a few samples (with the help of youtube videos) I think and hope this time around I won't forget how to knit! We are now on to our project which is using circular needles to knit a large tube. By using the different techniques and the stitches we learned we are to construct a large tube that is made up of these various techniques. My tube begins with casting 175 stitches followed by a basic simple knit stitch.

Unfortunately due to an exacto knife injury resulting in three stitches in my left thumb, this knit tube will be put on hold for the next week and a bit. I will be using knit fabric to create a mock-up version of what I want my final knitted tube to resemble.

Isn't that yarn such a luscious colour? I think so!

a closer look the second time around.

Last night I shot my second roll with my Mamiya C33 in the lighting studio. Same object, same assignment. Instead of placing the light directly on the object I tried bouncing the light off the seamless background on to the subject matter. In this shoot I was able to borrow a wide angle lens allowing me to get in closer and further abstract the object. I was able to pick up unique textures in the glass, and focus in on the unique shadows that were created. Here are a few favourites from the last roll I shot. I think out of my two rolls of film that I have taken within this last week, I will be able to select 5 strong images for my assignment.

judy.

This weekend I hoped to get a lot more accomplished than what actually got done (well sort of). Thank you Judy. For my fashion draping class a mannequin, or a Judy, is required for 'draping' purposes. And since there isn't enough Judy's for each designer in class we were required to construct our own for the first assignment. So last Tuesday at 8:30am, we all came to class prepared to construct our Judy's, or in my case my Jessica. Initially the idea was to cover ourselves with brown paper tape so we would have a body form identical to our own bodies. Well that didn't work out so well. When returning to the fashion studio to complete my body form, it was warped and hopeless. So back to the beginning, except this time I used an available Judy that had almost the same measurements as my figure. And the process of constructing my own Judy begins. (with a happier ending)

First using tape paper tape we cover the figure; following the lines and forms of the body for an accurate result. Make two layers.

When the paper tape is completely dry, continue by removing the constructed form from the supporting figure buy cutting down the centre back. Immediately repair the constructed form by applying tape on where the cut was made. To reinforce and to add more durability to the body form, apply another layer or two to the inside of the form.

Using foam core or cardboard cover the bottom, neck and arm wholes (if not already covered). Then cover with paper tape. If the Judy is going to be on a stand, cut a whole at the bottom of the form to insert a pole.

Once the form is completely covered with the paper tape, mark reference points.

Centre Front

Centre Back

Side Seams

Princess Seam (Front)

Princess Seam (Back)

Jewel Neckline

The next stage is to cover the form with batting and fabric, so when draping fabrics can be pinned to the Judy.

And this is what I have completed so far. I still need to finish covering my Judy with the batting and then with organic cotton. Then I will be adding the necessary markings that will be referenced when the Judy is used for draping and constructing garments. I am definitely glad I decided to start over and construct my body form from a standard Judy, the results so far have been worthwhile.

A fun filled weekend with Judy.

fashion figures, fashion drawing, fashion trends...fashion, fashion, fashion.

My fashion drawing class has surprisingly had quite an affect on me. I constantly pose the question 'what is fashion?' Honestly I have yet to find that answer. This class has definitely opened my eyes in terms fashion and fashion drawing. I find myself constantly wondering -- What fashion is to me? When was the exact moment I knew I had an interest for fashion?

Fashion, a way of life.

Fashion, the manner of doing something.

Can fashion really be accurately defined? I have yet to find a definition that encompasses all the aspects I relate to fashion.

The first few assignments that we have had thus far have provided an opportunity to explore our definition and portrayal of fashion. Through the use of collages, doodles, and writing I have tried to capture components that I relate to the idea of 'fashion'.

my new love.

I was definitely spoiled on Christmas this year, the Mamiya C33 being the main reason. I finally shot my first roll with it this past week and it works amazing. I'm in love! Even though my first roll with it was motivated by one of my photography class assignments, it was still a joyful experience. It was also my first time using the lighting studio.

Here are a few shots from the roll.

The whole concept is to choose an object and place in various lighting situations, while being aware of composition and abstracting the object.

I think for my first time working with my mamiya and in the lighting studio, my roll is not too bad. I was definitely not disappointed.

My new love = my Mamiya C33

exchange, exchange, exchange.

It's that time of year (once again) where I will be applying for exchange for Fall 2010 semester. I had a meeting with my advisor last week just to clarify everything that needs to be done for the application deadline Monday, February 15, 2010.

I have final narrowed down my choices to the final three schools.

1. Fashion Institute of Technology (NYC)

2. School of the Art Institute of Chicago

3. California College of the Arts (San Francisco)

Fingers crossed I will be accepted into at least one.

Now that my schools have been selected its time to edit and alter my portfolio. Since i'm only in my second semester with a concentration on fashion, somehow I have to prove my knowledge and capabilities in fashion. The remainder of my portfolio will consist of a lot of graphic design work and photography. I am hoping that my portfolio illustrates my stengths as an interdisciplinary artist through knowledge in fine art, design, photography and fashion. All these areas play a crucial role in how I approach my work today and I think that is an important aspect that should be portrayed through my collection of work.

Although I'm still going through my work and trying to select a diverse group of pieces, so far these are pieces that I think will make the final cut.

Memory's Dress

To Forever Linger

Life's Lessons:

Obsessions are helpful professionally and inane privately.

Never take anything for granted.

Searching For

Team Brother Bear Website

Typeface: Fio & Specimen Book

Q-Tip & Straw Dress

There are still some pieces that I need to document; my Split Skirt Jumper being one of them (this portfolio cannot go without a onesie included). With the deadline coming up its time to get this application together organized.

Let's get'er done!