research _ socks, stockings / tights, leg warmers

I LOVE SOCKS, STOCKINGS / TIGHTS & LEG WARMERS !!! i am obsessed with them right now, and i am going to make them work in my collection. it may be a bit hard but i am committed to this one. i may look into gloves at some stage but the leg area is my preference at this stage in the process .
below are some images of socks and stockings and leg warmers that appeal to me and ones that seem appropriate. there is just a variation of each and they come from many sources which i must list at the bottom .


socks ____

stockings / tights ____

leg warmers ____

thanks to _
american apparel
applecandyred.tumblr.com
kissesandcrossstitches.blogspot.com
houseofholland
topshop
www.abracadabrasuperstore.com
www.art.com
www.ample-knitters.com
www.kaboodle.com
www.lovelyish.com
www.okokchina.com
www.shefinds.com
www.sockdreams.com
www.we-are-the-crowd.com
www.wksswebshop.co.uk




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research _ jackets and tailoring

jackets and tailoring will be an aspect that i want to look at and in corporate into this collection. i looked at high end, middle market and mass market styles that are currently available just to see what there is and how they differ with each other .

karen walker ____

1. patch blazer bouquet

2. classic trench rainproof coating

3. classic trench heavy wool flannel

4. blouson jacket bouquet

5. classic blazer birdseye suiting

6. mojo jacket coat

witchery ____

1. stretch twill tuxedo jacket

2. the peplum vest

3. structured linin blazer

dotti ____

1. the blues hilo jacket

2. the rome blazer

3. the rock n roll white blazer

4. bib front drapey jacket

5. rouched shrunken tux

there are so many different designs that are available !! there is more variation in the mass market with a variety of colors and style whereas the middle market doesn't really stock that many and the high end, it appears there are more .
i think even though they are all slightly different, the similarities are there which distinguishes a blazer from a coat. the sleeve lengths are all long sleeve except for a few which a 3/4 length which is interesting. no short sleeve ones, i guess it makes sense though, why would you want a short sleeved blazer? it's not warm and looks more like a shirt .
but this might be an idea for a design as it doesn't seem like anyone has done it. however after seeing and observing the many styles, i really want to go for either a blazer or a tux style jacket compared to a coat. a coat may be warmer but for me i think i want to focus on the other two .
i might even look into vests. vest are cute, stylish and can be worn with everything ! i especially like the peplum vest by witchery. i have to say it is such a great idea .




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research _ translation of concept

examine portfolio work from assignment 1 _ concept / mood board, line- up, synopsis and any other relevant material ____

in 1-2 sentences write down a summary of what your concept was for assignment 1? ____

my topic was global warming with its effects on ice caps and the earth we live on. i wanted to take a lighter approach to the matter because although it is a serious matter we have on our hands, there isn’t much we can do now that it is on its way due to the lack of care we have given our home.


be honest with yourself- and critically evaluate the following _ this is your opportunity to say it clearer or more effectively !! ____

[ 1 ] was your message clear in your concept board and your design work?
[ 2 ] what were you trying to say/express/represent? remind yourself?
[ 3] can you say it better?

[ 1 ] i’m not actually entirely sure. i think i did pretty good in the design work but maybe my concept board wasn’t strong enough. i have to admit, the one i handed in was a disaster . . .
[ 2 ] i wanted to give the sense of melting through my work. icy and fresh.
[ 3 ]of course, there are always better ways to do things or say things. it is a matter of how and if you are thinking on the one way or the other. for me, there could have definitely been more to show if i had more time. i say this because with design, there is always more !


fill in the answers to this checklist ____
[ 1 ] what was important in the last collection?
[ 2 ] what aspect do you want to expand on?
[ 3 ] is your design signature emerging?
[ 4 ] what worked?
[ 5 ]what can you edit out?

[ 1 ] the color palette, the use of quadrilaterals and the contrast of the fabrics [ heavy vs light ]
[ 2 ] i really want to play more with mashing un-traditionally mashed up fabric types. oh and also the cut out effects on the garments
[ 3 ] on a visual aspect in terms of illustrations, yes. however, in terms of the garment designing aspect, i am unsure at this point
[ 4 ] the technique of sewing the quads together to form a specific feature of the garments.
[ 5 ] probably the intricate beading that was used and also possibly floor length gowns with a train. . . not exactly sweet wear if you know what i mean .




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research _ evaluation of concept

after conducting your market research, you should have ____

[ 1 ]
a clearer idea of the market you are designing for, i.e. middle market ____
 -  would it help to put together a board to show this customer ?
 - think about how you can communicate to this market ?
 - do you need to adjust your concept board and design aesthetic accordingly ?

middle market street wear is what i have decided to go for as it is a huge leap away from ball gowns / evening wear. i want to challenge myself this time round and try something new .
i think i may have to adjust the concept board as i want to really lighten it up. i really want to add a bit more excitement into my next collection .


[ 2 ]
a better idea of how to modify / refine your concept _ what types of garments do you need to consider adding to your range ____

well... seeing as i did all gowns to floor length in project 1, i really need to tone the evening down and really amp up the attitude. it is going to be quite the adventure... hopefully .


[ 3 ]
are there shifts in styles that you identified _ put together images to describe this _ while doing market research that might influence your designs ____
remember you are designing for autumn/winter 2012, so you need to look at the forefront of trend directions ____

there was a little bit of a shift in the styles, mostly in the types of tops that are available at the moment. for example, a huge trend right now is sheer fabric, silks and very lightweight polyesters depending on the market being looked at.
another trend that i had noticed was the use of curved hems in tees and in general, hem styles are more exciting then the typical straight hem .
other than that, i noticed that there is still quite a lot of loose, shapeless knits at 3/4 sleeve length. i will take that into consideration and maybe see what i can come up with.




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