The timing of the project was perfect, it was true to the real life happenings and buzz after a show at fashion week. The designers were happy to speak to us and it gave both sides a real kick as we were doing our prospective jobs. I revelled in finding out more from my designer, asking the questions I've always wanted to ask and learning more about her individual design process. The collaboration with Segue is great too, as it's a 'live' project there's a massive improvement on the excitement factor from the usual university project that gets handed in and handed back. Our work will be read by our fellow students, teachers and fashion industry in a great context, what could be better? A piece in Vogue maybe!? But, you know what I mean! Overall, it was a great opportunity that I thoroughly enjoyed.
I think to make sure next years students know that the trip is so near the FMP deadline would be a good idea (if you're not planning an extension this time). I think you have to keep the same time to go because of the atmosphere if nothing else!
14.5.08
New York On Reflection
Me and my classmates gained a first hand insight into New York as a fashion capital and had a insiders glimspe of what it would be like to be part of one of the top design schools in the world, as one of Parson's design students. Personally i was amazed and delighted by the impeccable standard of the collections we were presented with. The professionalism and thought that has gone into not only their creative process, but their impact and place as a designer within the fashion industry and awareness of the marketing process was just as impressive.
The preconception of New York fashion being polished and highly commercial was definitely reinforced to me after seeing the selection of designers in store at Barney's and Bloomingdales especially, but also after seeing the output of the graduating year at Parson's.
I learned after interviewing Lindsey, my designer, it all made sense. Students are given a rigourous training regime to back up their creative endeavours. They have to have explainations and clear plan to everything they design and take business and marketing classes to prepare them for life in the big bad fashion world. On reflection, it is no surprise that some of the biggest names in fashion have come out of this worldclass institution.
I'm so happy that I was given a designer to profile in the end, as this is part of what I do best. My interview went very well and I really felt that I had improved on the things that usually catch me out. I definitely gained more competence in talking to a designer about their work.
As far as the design process goes, I know from my own experience how inpsiration translates into a garment. Here, it was a direct and clear transition from the artist's work/architecture into a pleat here or there, the cut of a neckline or material used for a blouse. There wasn't much else added to the creative vision in terms of design ideas, but the result was clothes that were well crafted and realistically wearable with just enough quirk thrown into the mix. Their was inventiness and conceptuality but these were strictly applied to the cut and wearability of a garment; a reversable parka or five ways to wear a linen jacket. On numerous occasions I could imagine myself wearing a few of the pieces but my favorites were the Saga fur winner and her beautiful cape style hooded jacket and the Frieda inspired collection which really spoke to the entire audience.
The preconception of New York fashion being polished and highly commercial was definitely reinforced to me after seeing the selection of designers in store at Barney's and Bloomingdales especially, but also after seeing the output of the graduating year at Parson's.
I learned after interviewing Lindsey, my designer, it all made sense. Students are given a rigourous training regime to back up their creative endeavours. They have to have explainations and clear plan to everything they design and take business and marketing classes to prepare them for life in the big bad fashion world. On reflection, it is no surprise that some of the biggest names in fashion have come out of this worldclass institution.
I'm so happy that I was given a designer to profile in the end, as this is part of what I do best. My interview went very well and I really felt that I had improved on the things that usually catch me out. I definitely gained more competence in talking to a designer about their work.
As far as the design process goes, I know from my own experience how inpsiration translates into a garment. Here, it was a direct and clear transition from the artist's work/architecture into a pleat here or there, the cut of a neckline or material used for a blouse. There wasn't much else added to the creative vision in terms of design ideas, but the result was clothes that were well crafted and realistically wearable with just enough quirk thrown into the mix. Their was inventiness and conceptuality but these were strictly applied to the cut and wearability of a garment; a reversable parka or five ways to wear a linen jacket. On numerous occasions I could imagine myself wearing a few of the pieces but my favorites were the Saga fur winner and her beautiful cape style hooded jacket and the Frieda inspired collection which really spoke to the entire audience.
13.5.08
20 of London's Best Kept Secrets...
1. Beyond Retro is one of the best vintage store in London.
2. A good rummage through the rails in Spitafields market should be followed by a stroll down the fabled
3. Brick Lane, home to the trendy Truman Brewary where you'll find shops such as Junky Styling and Illustrated People.
4. The Diner in Shoreditch serves milkshakes to rival the best of America's.
5. Start a new sunny day walking through Hyde Park stopping by
6. The Serpentine Gallery which has free admission to its exhibitions, and a walk down the road brings you to
7. The V&A in South Kensington. Fascinating art and becoming more and more renowned for its great fashion exhibitions. An exhibition of sixties girl group The Supremes is on now until October. Not to be missed!
8. Topshop on Oxford Street is a must and if you like your toys
9. Legoland will make you gasp in regal Windsor.
10. The London Eye is a landmark to see even if you can’t get on it, as is
11. Walk across Millienium Bridge to the
12. Tate modern. Compare this to the classic exhibitions on at the
13. Tate Britain then if you're not too tired, spot some well known faces at the
14. The National Portrait Gallery near Trafalgar Square. Go to see a gig at the
15. Astoria, before they pull it down! Then onto
16. Astoria 2 on a Saturday for your fix of Indie Rock 'n' Roll. (Psst! I saw Jack Penate here and its a great night full of new live music from up and coming bands)
17. Chinatown is a hidden gem with lots of cheap alternative stores
18. Covent Garden is a must for the atmosphere and street theatre. Ballet too if you’re loaded!
19. Portobello Market is great for a Sunday vintage fix
20. ‘Circus’ at Bar Revue. This Soho bar once entertained The Beatles as a gentleman's club. Now it hosts a night full of flirty fashionistas. Will the person in the best outfit please but their hands up!
So there you have it, some of London's best hang outs. (Just keep them quiet please)
2. A good rummage through the rails in Spitafields market should be followed by a stroll down the fabled
3. Brick Lane, home to the trendy Truman Brewary where you'll find shops such as Junky Styling and Illustrated People.
4. The Diner in Shoreditch serves milkshakes to rival the best of America's.
5. Start a new sunny day walking through Hyde Park stopping by
6. The Serpentine Gallery which has free admission to its exhibitions, and a walk down the road brings you to
7. The V&A in South Kensington. Fascinating art and becoming more and more renowned for its great fashion exhibitions. An exhibition of sixties girl group The Supremes is on now until October. Not to be missed!
8. Topshop on Oxford Street is a must and if you like your toys
9. Legoland will make you gasp in regal Windsor.
10. The London Eye is a landmark to see even if you can’t get on it, as is
11. Walk across Millienium Bridge to the
12. Tate modern. Compare this to the classic exhibitions on at the
13. Tate Britain then if you're not too tired, spot some well known faces at the
14. The National Portrait Gallery near Trafalgar Square. Go to see a gig at the
15. Astoria, before they pull it down! Then onto
16. Astoria 2 on a Saturday for your fix of Indie Rock 'n' Roll. (Psst! I saw Jack Penate here and its a great night full of new live music from up and coming bands)
17. Chinatown is a hidden gem with lots of cheap alternative stores
18. Covent Garden is a must for the atmosphere and street theatre. Ballet too if you’re loaded!
19. Portobello Market is great for a Sunday vintage fix
20. ‘Circus’ at Bar Revue. This Soho bar once entertained The Beatles as a gentleman's club. Now it hosts a night full of flirty fashionistas. Will the person in the best outfit please but their hands up!
So there you have it, some of London's best hang outs. (Just keep them quiet please)
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