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!