spec drawings for designs.

chosen fabrics and designs.

more designs.

Initial Designing.

Ok so time to get designing... i seem to be really inspired by charcoal type colours with flashes of acid yellow as we are designing for the fabric i have photocopied pieces of the fabric in order to use it to start collaging I've found this to be a really effective way of designing for me personally. Ive also been looking into boys as well as girlswear which is something i haven't tried before. Ive incorporated large accesory pieces, large collars as well as leggings and pleating i admit i find desgning for boys much harder especially given the fabrics provided which are much more aimed at women and girls.

Laser cutting induction.

I went for a laser cutting induction to see just how its done and see if any inspirations for this childrenswear project kicked in as i have previously loved some of the laser cut fashion pieces i have come across. i was shown how to use all the machinery and what size and format it needed to be in as well as the different effects the machine could create on different textures and fabrics and although i found it very interesting it wasn't something i decided to take forward for this particular project however now Ive been inducted i may take it forward into a future project.

Kidswear meeting notes.

Me Jade an Ros got together to discuss our plans for collection ideas following up from our skype session with Caryn. we suggested prehaps a collection line up that showed cohesion in the form of colour, fabric- finishes. we looked at the idea of quirky kids fashions remebering we are creating for the luxury end market referring back to our own design identity.here are some brief bullet points of ideas...
-line up silhouette-outline-linear simple
-yarns two or three different weights- prehaps incorporate knit
-consisting of journal final report-collection- photoshoot
-george label-massive ambition-defining outside of asda - global markets
-print.

Caryn Franklin skype session.

A Skype session with the All walks lady herself a little strange it seemed so casual and chatty seen as shes such a huge name amongst the fashion industry yet she was down to earth and keen to hear our ideas as well as share her own. We talked about the idea of "Dress up" using full lengths, large accessory pieces, big embellishments with a costume element possibly using Devore. For the photo shoot we wanted fun styling Caryn suggested using a range of child models perhaps different age race or body type to highlight the All walks "Diversity" being beautiful message. As well as including the models names to give it that more personal touch. Upon talking about the desexualisation of children within the fashion industry Caryn suggested we contact Mums.Net a campaign against the sexualisation of children. She also said draping and strapline is important in the integrity of the garments. Overall a really helpful and useful Skype meeting.

Jewellery workshop.

lots of experimenting with beautiful little beads broken jewellery casting out of silicone and resin- found the jewellery workshop really fun although my pieces would need to be refined i felt like i came out with some interesting results and like the idea of playful chunky necklaces for kids.

mums.net

let girls be girls camapaign- http://www.mumsnet.com/campaigns/let-girls-be-girls

Meeting with Anne and Gill - Childrenswear manafactuing.

Here are the notes from the meeting...

-French company Gayorde-viscose-Cotton-linen.
-can use same patterns
-signature style- the ingredients -tell a story
- Oil Lilly -Dutch Kids company
-kidswear- longevity -lasting quality
-embroidered badge
-proportions-fit-pockets
-silk texture -yarns
-jacquard machine
-right grainlines- grainline follows the direction of the knit
-edge stitch along the sleeve head
-finishes fastenings
-heavy zips on fine fabrics
-Jones button supplier-coconut buttons-same button and type-different sizes
-season is key -(Autumn/Winter.)
-Cool adult garments-Kids version
-branding-labelling-lifestyle
-European labels- quality of make
-Industrial finishes
-Girbead- Italian label- french - dutch - Belgian
-linings- have a bit of fun with it.

mood board.

For this week also i compiled a mood board of intial ideas i took particular inspiration from the idea of quirkyness and fun i love the colours incorporated in the peacock feather as well as including the logo "Dress to Express." and images i love of handprints fahion shots from Caramel Baby and Child http://www.caramel-shop.co.uk/ who i absaloutely adore gorgeous childrens fashions based in London.

Introduction to the Fabrics.

For this project we are having the fabrics or base fabrics at least supplied we then buy them back later. We are taking an emphasis on working from the fabrics- seeing the fabrics before we get designing personally i think this is a better way of doing it! here are some phots of fabrics i have chosen that most inspire me.