Evaluation | Practice Unit

In this Unit I found I have developed significant learning by experimenting and sourcing new materials. My visual research throughout Encasement and the concept of trapping elements pushed me to investigate innovative ways to communicate my ideas. I have pushed my concept and combined fine delicacy with heavy texture, communicating two different states and merging elements. I have added a tantalising quality to my collection by looping materials through open structure and heavy areas of detail adding feathers and gold foil. Within this concept I looked at cocoons, nests and animal bone structures which communicate the idea of components inside the exterior.

I have demonstrated the ability to express my initial ideas through drawing simple shapes, particularly looking at line quality and the movement, combined with circular shapes and layers. Furthermore, I feel I have explored these ideas while sampling, experimenting with inlay and drop stitch in a less structured manner. I feel in this unit I have achieved a more experimental approach as I used to plan ahead when sampling, yet throughout practice I have been open to trying new ideas and learning what works spontaneously. Furthermore, yarn choice has been key in order to communicate my concept. My collection consists of varied textures, base yarns being fine silks which are then combined with wool tops, heavy textured yarn and alternative materials such as feathers and tape yarn. This also allows my collection of samples to be suitable for luxury high end fashion.

My choice of technique was very important throughout this unit, although I do not have a varied range of technique within my collection, I approached techniques in original ways and pushed the boundaries. I feel inlay was the most successful in communicating the trapped elements, yet with moving the structure I effectively moved away from the linear look inlay can create, resulting in unique patterns and ideas. I found inlay most inspiring in my fabrics therefore I aim to push this forward in Unit X and experiment with more heavy weight fabrics and chunky machines.

The focus throughout my contextual research in this unit has been detailing and texture. I have noticed that I have not researched as much knitwear context as usual, alternatively I have been looking at heavy detailed garments to help develop my ideas. I have looked at designers such as Zuhair Murad SS13, Celine SS15 and Erdem SS14. I was particularly inspired by the Celine SS15 knitted dress, it pushed me to have simple knitted fabrics with heavy detail at the bottom creating a simple yet textured chaos. Zuhair Murad inspired me to push the boundaries and think of techniques I could use that would allow me to weave feathers into a knitted structure.

Celine RTW SS15

My first silhouette plays with the idea of open structure through lace holes over the chest area combined with a heavier detail with the added feathers, however this is very subtle and delicate. During Unit X I would like to develop garment ideas with heavier qualities and more texture.

I enjoyed engaging in live briefs within this unit as it has pushed me to expand the way I use techniques and conducting alternate research. I particularly liked the Michael Kidner Brief which surprised me as I feel I can struggle with a bright colour palette, however I made new discoveries when focusing on pattern and shape, and improved the understanding of balancing colour.