collection...

I’ve come to a little halt in the last few days because I’ve been mainly using illustrator to develop my ideas. It was good to get started but I think I need to get back in to sampling, which will allow me to develop ideas like before. I have slowly built a collection, although it’s not quite finished I feel like I’ve got the basis of it. Using illustrator created sketches, which are quite flat, but it was more about moving the shapes over the body to trigger new designs. It might not read well to others but I know how these shapes are moving around the body. I’ve used a paper cut-out to test one of the tops which is something I’ll keep working on, and I’ve tested the skirts shape in both paper and white leather which is what it will be made out of.

Images: Testing shapes on paper cut-outs (front & back), leather sample for a skirt.

I went into Uni today and tested the laser cutter!!! AGGGHHHH. I was really scared to use it but it all seemed to work out well. I used a cotton/linen composition and can’t remember exactly what the second composition was but it wasn’t synthetic. They worked quite well and I was happy with the result. It gave me clues as the composition and construction of the material that would be suited for my work. Both samples had burnt edges which was probably due to the cellulose fibres, so perhaps I’ll have to look into synthetic fibres instead. A bit more shopping around to find the right fabrics is needed.

Images: Laser cut shapes

The exhibition planning has been put on hold while I’ve tried to find a collaborator to work with. Luckily I was put in touch with a first year fashion student, Caroline Tan who has actually already completed a degree in Architecture at Melbourne Uni. We met up today and talked about ideas for the exhibition and I’m really excited about working with her. While studying architecture she was interested in modular systems and building with singular units so it was good to hear her ideas for the loops I designed. Caz also mentioned the possibility for accessories with the shapes I’ve created and I’ve just started to think of using leather belts or Perspex necklaces/bracelets in some of the designs. Hopefully I’ve come out of the lull and can start toiling some of the designs now and testing more options with the laser cutter.