Final Illustrations

I'm really pleased with the outcome of the illustrations. I've now produced 6 ready to upload to my trend book using illustrator. I was aiming for a an illustration that was natural looking, similar to Peclers, with the shape of the body and face detail, but wanted a cartoony feel to them. I think this is shown well and am really happy with the progress I've made through hours of trial and error! With my basic knowledge of illustrator, I was originally planning on copying a template and adding clothes on top, or uploading my own drawings and amending them with illustrator, but I'm really happy with the how I've managed to produce my own incorporating my own clothes within a body template.
With the skills I've gained using illustrator with this project, I really aim within my next major project to experiment more with shading, and lines and have some more help from jamie with faces as this is an area I think could be improved to make the drawings more real looking.

Key Words

In today's session we talked about key words that could be used throughout our trend books. I found this really helpful as after loading the images into In Design it needed more detail and personality and key words throughout really help the pages stand out and will be more clear to the reader.
During the session we picked out key words from our trend descriptions. From past projects I have felt this is an area I have struggled with, analylising and descibing where inspiration has come from. However, picking out distinct descriptive words for each trend in the session was quite simple and from looking at the different trend forecasting books in the library they seem to use the same kind of method.
To show this wording in a more interesting way within the book, I want to use the format above. I have added a block shape of colour to each page and will mirror this shape and input the wording into each one which will be consistent throughout the book. I think this adds more creativity with the pages and is more interesting with contrast of colour and the mirroring of shapes I think looks more professional.

Flats

Each flat drawing has been created from different garments from on-line sources - Urban Uutfitters, Zara and Topshop. I have used templates in this way for each theme and have adapted each drawing using colour swatches taken from my mood boards and images shown throughout my blog. Using the transparency tool, especially within my 'Luminous DIY' theme, shown above, has been really helpful to create a see-through transparent effect to link with my theme. I have tried using the skills learnt from Jamie over the last few weeks to add in creases and shadow effects to show a more detail in how the garment would hang. I have added zip detail where necessary together with seams and hems. 

When uploaded to In Design I will add captions to each illustrator, with a description of the garment. I think this will also help to add more detail to the page, so they don't look like they are in away floating, together with a block of colour similar to VM pages to almost bring forward the drawings to the reader.

Visual Merchandising

This is my visual merchandising page for my eco trend. Unfortunately I was not able to obtain any recent VM information from House of Fraser, however from looking at different store window displays, specifically looking at simple well lit window's, as with my trend book, I wanted the same simplistic clean contemporary feel to be shown within the visual merchandising.
Similar to Zara, I think the layout is simplistic and would be clear to the customer the theme of the trend. The VM pages are all shown with the same layout throughout the book. With the images behind the garments linking with colour and mood, and clearly layed out accessories on blocks, the space is confined yet simple to draw the customer to that area with no confusion. This will be uploaded as a double page spread of my trend book. The block of colour behind to add a more distinct effect to the page rather than having a white background.

I would really like to add some more elements to this, maybe some sort of art deco style mirrors, and then adapt the page to look more 3D. However, I don't want to the page to look too busy and cluttered but this would be something I would think about for future projects and to have some tuition on how to go about transforming images to look more 3D. 

More design Inspiration

Looking at different fashion magazines such as Elle and Bazaar, I've been going through picking out parts of garments that link with my themes to draw from within illustrator. I've found on-line clothes websites such as Topshop and Zara which have been a good way of gathering relevant clothing from to use as templates for my flats, to then develop from with shape and colours swatches. However, with the fashion illustrations, it is not as easy to draw round a template when on a body, which I would then have to alter to the body shape. Using distinct areas of detail, such as transparent or cut out parts, ruffle or layed areas, I have been able to draw and adapt the garment shape to fit the shape and style of clothing I'm aiming for.

Vector Drawing

Previously I had not much idea on how I would go about doing the above! but with perverseness today and time with Jamie I feel like I'm getting the hang of drawing and curving lines fairly accurately and the different short cuts you can use. I had thought I would hand draw my final illustrations and then scan them into illustrator to then work from. However, I have now decided I want to use the same process of using an image to create a template from and then draw on the clothes, linked to my research, using either illustrator or kaledo.

Email Correspondence..

I've started to think about the layout of my visual merchandising pages, as I feel I need to start working on these as they are concluding each trend so I feel they quite an important part of the trend book. I'm fairly confident from my general layout ideas, being fairly clean and simplistic with strong imagery and two tone colours throughout, along with the trend's I aiming to produce, that I would like the visual merchandising pages to be aimed at high end fashion retailer. To help with different layout ideas, I have contacted Lisa who I worked with during work experience at House of Fraser to see if she can send me any of their recent guidance for the display windows from their London Head Office..awaiting reply!

Fabric Samples

Using fabric samples I have collected from various sources over time, I have picked out swatches that I would show use in for each trend. From woollen heavy fabric to sheer cotton, each trend uses a varied combination relevant to the season of Autumn/Winter. 

Within my DIY trend, the use of light fabrics is more apparent. As the theme gives a sense of creating your own clothing and accessories, the use of stretch jersey material is important to give that feel of pulling and moulding your own shape. As mentioned within my designer research, block shapes and panels will be the most evident feature (together with the DIY jewellery), this will give the sense of  patch-work style, with heavier woven cotton which will provide more of a stable contrast to the jersey stretch material also used within the garment.

For the urban theme, jersey stretch fabrics will be used for a casual sports wear effect, and heavier woollen fabric for outer wear, along with patch-work style panels of leather to a edgy street feel.

I will use similar heavy woollen fabric for the outer-wear style jackets used within my Egyptian style theme, and a mix of woven cotton and jersey fabric for the dresses which I want to show element of stretch around the waist and pocket detail.

If it was possible to add in swatches to our trend books I would want to incorporate these within my flat drawing pages to add texture and more of a feel to the trend.

MOODBOARD / COLOUR PALETTES

Over the last few day's I have felt a little bit lost within each theme, and where to go with it next. I feel I have collated enough images at this moment and have a good understanding on what I'm trying to achieve within each theme, however needed to put this down onto paper!! and move colours and images around.

Below are Moodboards / Colour palettes for each theme. I decided before doing these, that I was not going to upload these to In Design, as I think the quality would not be great if I was to scan it in, however most of the images I have, and so I will be able to achieve a similar style and layout straight onto in design.

Concentrating on getting the mood board right has been such a helpful tool to now carry on with thinking about the pages of my trend book. This has definitely been a weakness so far, as I should have done this right from the start. I now have a better understanding of colour and mood to work from, and also feel more confident to start drawing fashion templates to work from within illustrator.

STREET

I really wanted the colours of the decaying/distressed vibe to really show through. I think especially with the burnt orange, dusky browns and dark greys, this is evidenced well, and is clear with the imagery what I'm aiming for. I also wanted a bright coloured contrast to this, with the use of the yellow and off white. This is to link in with not only the idea of a decaying urban environment, but how street art is incorporated within this. 

EGYPTIAN

As the vibrant colours and patterns are really evident with Egyptian culture, I really wanted this to be strongly shown within my moodboard. I wanted a completely different colour palette to be shown within this theme and to be noticeable the culture where these colours have evolved.

DIY

As shown, the cool icy colours along with the accessories is the most prominent part of the trend. I think with the pastel blues and pinks mixed with the bright orange and red add's the futuristic DIY style and modernism which I want to create.

Designer Inspiration

ETHNIC

Holly Fulton - Autumn / Winter 2010 - ELLE Magazine

The simplistic shapes of the garments in Holly Fulton's Autumn / Winter collection I think really emphasises the block colours and vibrant patterns, and this is what I want to be the main focal point within the trend. I think when deciding the garments to use within my final illustrations and visual merchandising pages there needs to be less detail with the actual clothing, with the main influence being on the Egyptian style patterns and colours.

STREET

Alexander Wang's football inspired collection has a strong link with where I want to go within my street theme. I'm aiming for an athletic / urban casual vibe, with is definitely seen within Alexander's collection. I really want the casual influence to stand out, with the use of hoodies / sweatshirts but will a contemporary feel. Even though the collection is designed for Spring/Summer, there are elements within each garment that could also be for Autumn / Winter with layering of coats and jumpers.

ETHICAL

Marni - Spring / Summer 2008 - Handbag.com

The jewellery is the key influence within this collection. I really like the block colours and and I can definitely see how DIY could be influenced within this. From my research, I have come across some really innovative jewellery made in really creative way, which I want to demonstrate within my ethical theme. Following on with the innovative and modern ways of creating accessories, I want a futuristic theme to be represented, using cool pastels and whites mixed with bold blocks of colour. Accessories will be the main feature of the theme, particularly with headscarf's, to add to the DIY feel, which have been used in another of Marni's collections for Autumn/Winter 2011.

Colour inspiration - DIY

Xiyinn Tang - Dansk Magazine

This image of DIY fashion I want to incorporate within my colour palette page. Not only the use of DIY objects transformed into hair accessories and belts, but the light natural organic colour mixed with hints of bold reds and oranges. 

Mark Vaarwerk Jewellery - Treehugger.com

DIY coloured Jewellery to be shown within my mood board and add colour inspiration. The multi-coloured distinct colours to add as a contrast to the transparent icy tones.

Both images below will also be used within my colour palette page. The ice blue tones of the sky and the transparency of the clouds link with the clothing well and the all round theme. I really want the cool airy feel of colours to be really apparent and feel this image puts across the feel well. 

The green of the volcanic lava provides a pastel yet bold shade of colour which will be added within the clothing along with the red shown in subtle yet distinct way above.

All For the Mountain Photography - thisnext,com

Own image - taken from a volcanic lava in New Zealand

Both images below add to my trend inspiration and introduction pages. The cool transparency and luminous tones will provide a good hint to the reader at first glance of the theme associated to the trend, and what's to be expected with the colours involved in the garments found later on in the book.

Natalie Kucken Photography - Flikr.com

KimNowacki  Photography - Aquarium.co.za

Playful Twist

Vibrant Block Colour, Pattened Detail



S/S Lookbook by Charlotte Taylor - thefashioncoucept09.blogspot.com



Colour / Print Inspiration

Sarah's Antiques - coffeemonkeymusings.blogspot.com

Cheese Slices - minimilistpleasures.blogspot.com



Quirky Fun Design

Jan's and Cooper Stolen Sunnies - stylebubble.co.uk

Through the research I have developed for my Egyptian style theme, I have decided to experiment with more of a playful fun theme which I want to have emerge through the trend. I think this will be more of an innovative interesting way to adapt the tradional Egyptian style which is what I was originally planning on experimenting with.

The images above have inspired this new thought and I think it could work really well with quirky playful prints similar to the above. This will help add a modern element to the trend, however still show a link towards Eyptian print and colour. 

STREET

Images to add to my In-Design template :

Black Dust a.k.a odonbd - Flikr.com

Possible colour palette. Rusted oranges/organic/muddy browns

I really like the image above and the colours of the decaying building. Both images represent the colour palette I am aiming for.

Danks Magazine

Hoods / Hoodie's - Stereotypically worn by youths, links with grafitti / when CCTV became popular. I want to incorporate the trend within my street theme, taking a more modern sophisticated approach of the 'hoodie'.

I have found the image below from Peclers Summer 10 issue. I have found this inspiring with the baggy style loose fitting trousers and and hooded sweater. Urban and casual yet also feminine. The illustration style and the casual pose that links in with the surrowding street environment is what I aim to produce..

Peclers Inspirations - Summer 2010

I took this image as the rusted colours of the dress are really apt within my decaying environment theme.

Peclers Inspirations - Summer 2010

The below image of the decaying chipped wall and rusted pole inspires a similar effect with the below worn patch like area's of the trousers and washed out effects.

Illusory - Street art in Toronto from Dan Bergeron - Flikr.com

Futuristic / Urban / Athletic

Leather Panels at the knees - New to Autumn / Winter 2010 

EGYPTIAN

Images to add to my In-Design template :

Drapes by Ashey Drapes Scott - Egyptian inspired earings

Silver Egyptian inspired earrings

I really like the images above and think they capture really well the style I'm aiming for within my Egyptian theme. Especially the second image I think is really vibrant and futuristic in a way, which is want I want to make sure comes accorss within the trend - to look ahead of its time. I think the use of make-up, especially the dark eye-liner adds to the Egyptian glamour Cleopatra look..


Looking at patterns  :

Behing The Seams DIY -  recylced vintage sweater



Fashion Scout - Blog

Peter Pilloto Calalb Shoes - Style Bubble Blog


Here are some more images thinking about styling and accessories, from my own photography :

Looking at bold vibrant colours / prints & patterns / beaded & embroidered textures

How to Make Feather Earrings and Necklaces

Time permitting I will attempt to make some of these to photograph and upload! We'll see..

Emerging Thoughts "Fun With Plastic!" Tutorial

New Idea - ETHICAL

DIY / Sustainable Accessories and Design

Anita Moser - Dip Dyed Shoes

Smaggystyle - Ripped Tights Necklace

MacraMe - Owl Ties



Manga Farming - Comic books, radish seeds, sun, water and air



Brokenfab - Disco beading



I've found the ethical theme to be the one that's been the hardest to work from and develop, to come up with an original trend and not go down the route of vintage or eco-friendly clothing. My first idea within this theme was to look at sustainable architecture, and how this could be inspired with fashion, looking a shapes, colour and interior design.

While I thought this was an idea that could be developed with the amount of research materials there are within sustainable architecture, eco buildings / homes, I have thought there would not be much variation involved, from what I can think of at this stage. As the majority of the trend book uses imagery as a main focus I need the original idea to vary and be appealing to the eye for the reader, and not for example have pages with lots of imagery of different architecture and buildings. I don't think this would be interesting enough to create a trend from. 

With the help of Anya, I'm moving away from this idea, and have started to look at D.I.Y objects / jewellery / fashion / interior design..much more interesting I think! I've found some amazing DIY's as a starting point. The only concern with this idea, is the colour palette involved. As the subject is quite broad and there is not one colour palette associated with DIY to work from, however I want to use this to my advantage and look at various DIY projects and the colours involved and the trends of 2010 to work from to create my own colour palette.

Xiyinn Tang - Dansk Magazine

Taking on a different approach, I want this theme to be aimed at sustainability, and today's economic climate, with the current recession being a huge impact on this, especially for 2012 where we could be leading into a double recession, DIY fashion and design will have a strong influence on consumers.

Lindsey Thornburg - Tie-Dye Gown

Examples of DIY Catwalk Couture

DIY Couture - On-line Refinery29

From left : Martin Margiela Artisanal, Marco de Vincenzo, Jean Paul Gaultier, Martin Margiela Artisanal

DIY Couture - On-line Refinery29

From left : Christian Lacroix, Martin Margiela Artisanal, Christian Dior, and Jean Paul Gaultier.