Evaluation - Translation of concept for project two 

WAS YOUR MESSAGE CLEAR IN YOUR CONCEPT BOARD AND YOUR DEISGN WORK?

To be honest, I think my collection changed a lot in the final stages so my mood board does not exactly replicate my collection as it did not include my final fabrics and illustration techniques. My collection represented my ideas but was not obvious to the viewer, unless they had read the synopsis. 

WHAT WERE YOU TRYING TO SAY/EXPRESS/REPRESENT?

I was trying to represent the feeling my grandmother/elderly have in this world and expressing my response to this - trying to protect.

CAN YOU SAY IT BETTER?

YES! It could be more obvious through more extreme layers and layering with more interest/individuality.  More fabric research research could have also helped my collection become clearer as some details were lost in the illustration.

WHAT WAS IMPORTANT IN THE LAST COLLECTION?

Layering, high neck lines, bulky clothing, deteriorating colors inspired by documentary, Grey Gardens. 

WHAT ASPECT DO YOU WANT TO EXPAND ON?

Deterioration via fabrics in a more modern sense, not only colors. I want to looks at drapery in japanese prints for example Keisai Eisen (courtesean named Katsumi living in Owariya), Kashosai Shunsen, Torii Kiyamine. I also want to look at the depth of color that Degas uses in his ballet paintings. These artists inspired me at the amazing exhibition at the Auckland Art Gallery, 'Degas to Dali.' Well worth a visit, http://www.aucklandartgallery.com/degas-to-dali. 

IS YOUR DESIGN SIGNATURE EMERGING?

I really like minimalist  use of colors with bulky layering which my last collection semi channels into. However, the combination of the Emilio Pucci print really pushed me to include this pattern. 

WHAT CAN YOU EDIT OUT?

Drop crotch pants probably- there done a lot and although they fitted in my collection they were not eye catching/ innovative. 

Hi there,

My name is Amelia and I am currently studying a Fashion and Business degree at Massey University in Wellington, New Zealand. 

As part of our second project for a fashion studio paper we have been assigned to write a blog about a diffusion line that stems from a six piece collection that we designed in the first part of the semester. 

The synopsis below outlines the collection I designed titled, Margareta:

"An astonishing study of two women who have retreated from the world into a time warp of their own." - Jack Kroh

The Margareta collection presents the concept of elderly in today's world. Inspired by my grandmother, Margareta Morvan, the grey skinned models represent a mundane, uncomfortable life protected by layers upon layers of heavy clothing included to present the wearer hiding away from society and the world. 

The color palate of greys, mustards, sandstone and off yellow communicates notions of deterioration stemming from the notorious documentary film by Albert and David Mayseles, Grey Gardens. The 1975 film depicts the everyday lives of two reclusive socialites, the Aunt and cousin of US first Lady Jaqueline Kennedy, both named Edith Beale, who lived in a decrepit mansion in East Hampton, New York. 

Hints of nostalgia come through the collection in stitched and printed sections of the classic Emilio Pucci pattern that my Grandmother wore for her second marriage Alain Morvan. These ideas are carried through in the layered lapel pieces used to portray the classic style that Margareta used to wear effortlessly.

The distorted silhouettes, extreme drop crotch pants and turtle necks past the mouth give the viewer the sense that the wearer is trapped and unable to move. The collection balances between elements of deterioration/ deconstruction seen through the unravelling hand sewing of the Emilio Pucci pattern and intentionally frayed edges and the classic elements of the structured lapels and vests.

My illustrations literally mirror the layers of clothing in the collection through the layering of the design (paper), the deteriorated yellow paint on tea stained paper followed by the hand stitched Emilio Pucci pattern.

Large knotted fastenings and chunky zips give the collection a protective barrier furthermore hiding the wearer from the world as my grandmother has done for the last three years. In a personal sense, I wanted the collection to show my sadness for my grandmother rather than any anger or disappointment.   I wanted the wearer to feel over protected although suffocated by the numerous layers which present my incapable willingness to help her get of this channel of life. 

Below is my mood board from this last assignment: 

I hope this gives you the run down of the last assignment, can't wait to start the Alain collection!