PERSONAL PUZZLE PIECES: Senior Thesis

My Senior Thesis is complete! Here are images from the Runway show that happened in April. and a photo shoot I was fortunate enough to have with a very talented photography student











I can't believe it's over!

Self Critique: After seeing my look come down the runway I was really proud of what I had accomplished- but at the same time, there are things that could of been improved.

Everything is a learning experience. I wish I had been more self critical during the first drapes of my garments, I feel the dress stays true to my drawing expept for one thing, I should of lowered the waist. When I saw the final dress it looked a lot 'younger' then I expected. The look would of also worked for a size 5, All because the waist was to high. Dropping the waist would of given it the slightly older feel I was going for. A 12 year old wouldn't want a garment that would also look good on a 5 year old. /sigh

Overall I love my garments! As long as I learn from the process this time, the next time can be even more successful!

PERSONAL PUZZLE PIECES: Senior Thesis

I wish I had recorded more musings as the garments were being made but alas, time flies.



Details

PERSONAL PUZZLE PIECES: Senior Thesis

And now a major jump, The garments already at 50%

FRESH WATER: Mood content

PERSONAL PUZZLE PIECES: Senior Thesis

After my first sketches this is what I came up with, I moved to a more child like croque and liked the over all vibe better. The details came together as looks much easier on this body.











The outfit on the far right really expresses my quirky design ascetic, log live aprons!


I knew I would make the dress on the far right.

PERSONAL PUZZLE PIECES: Senior Thesis

On the tip of my tongue










After I started sketching my initial ideas, using the design details I wanted to include, I had to step back from my drawings and think, 'Is this collection really for juniors?'

Looking at what I had designed, I had to answer no. The designs had a much softer innocent feel to them rather then my usually edgy designs. I wondered what they would look like on a 12-tween size range.

Usually I'm not a fan of the 12-Tween size range because the first thing that comes to my mind is Limited too. but I reminded myself, It doesn't always have to be so kitschy.

The designs that I liked best had a 'doll like feel' to them, and I started to imagin a girl with her hair in braids, in a loose baby doll dress with a stern order from her mothert not to spoil her outfit.

PERSONAL PUZZLE PIECES: Senior Thesis

God is in the details

Before I even start sketching I want to think of the details. I love details, and I'm often reminded of the saying 'God is in the details'. because in a way its true. The bigger picture only comes together because of the smaller details.

One of the fabrics I want to use- because I have a lot of it, is organza. I have an array of colors from a past project. I used the organza to make soft spiral flower shapes, as well as 'vines' creeping out from them.

You can see it here, used on the green scarf;




Besides the organza there is one other 'must' fabric I want to use for this technique;



A 'cut out' technique I tried by drawing my shapes lightly on the back and than sewing a satin stitch on the front. Then I cut out the shapes. On this sample I tried backing it with organza for an ethereal look.


Same technique with a tie-dyed backing, with a hand sewn top stitch in silver

The two images above are just sewing samples, I don't know yet what design I'll use for the cut-outs. But the reason I'm using that technique (if I can call it that seeing as I just made it up) is because my Grandmother gave me her Wedding Dress.



It's been sitting in my closet and It's something so beautiful and full of memories that I can't let it lay forgotten. But the fabric has become very dedicate over time, and is not exactly my cup of tea- so I wanted to manipulate it in some way to make it a little bit more interesting. It's quite delicate and reminded me of doily's, so I thought I would try a cut out technique.

Another thing I want to use is found materials. And when I thought of what to use it was perfect- pockets. I love pockets, and I've collected old garments (in poor condition so they can't be donated) and cut them up by the seams and then cut the pockets out. The left over fabric I donated to a local pre-school for arts and crafts projects.(They really love odds and ends and practically anything!) A great way to recycle. If I liked the fabric I kept it for the possibility of other design details.

PERSONAL PUZZLE PIECES: Senior Thesis

The first inklings

Where exactly do designers begin when starting a collection? Do the sketch first? Source fabric? Decide on a 'Mood'?

Well everyone is different. At first I thought a 'Mood' or 'Theme' might strike me, inspire me. I thought of several, but then I realized every fabric I choose, every garment I designed, would be trying to fit into that 'mood' or 'theme'.

I don't want to work that way. I want to pick my pieces first to build the puzzle. Not try to fit pieces into the puzzle.

So I started to think; 'what do I want to accomplish? what do I want to express? how do I want someone to feel as they view my collection?

The state of fashion is at an interesting turning point. Luxury is out, thrift is in. I too, have been affected by the economy. But how can I turn that around? How can I take my limitations and turn them into creativity?

I'm going to use what I have, I'm going to take the fabrics I have and view them as a canvas, turn it into something that inspires me. Dye it, manipulate it, cut it, layer it. I'm going to take this perceived 'bad situation' and embrace it. By making something positive and beautiful from nothing.

PERSONAL PUZZLE PIECES: Senior Thesis

I'm going to make something beautiful from only what I have.

Welcome to my first post about my Senior Thesis. Any posts about it will be under the Header 'Personal Puzzle pieces: Senior Thesis' if you care to follow my endeavors!

So the story is.....this Spring I am in my Senior year at FIT majoring in Fashion Design. For my Senior Thesis I am designing a 12 look Children's wear/Tween collection. Two looks will be made by me as a grade. One will be selected by a panel of judges to go down the runway.I want all of my garments to be made from materials I already have. To embrace my limitations as my creativity.

So Welcome to my personal diary of progress....... The design process is a fickle creature..... Inspiration does not come when it is called, and yet, waiting for it is not an option. But still, I cannot help but want to capture it!