My Latest Work: 26/02/13

Yes it's that time of year again, deadlines. I would like to say that I am relieved my project has been finalised, handed in and that the weeks of hard work end with me having some time off, however that wouldn't be fashion would it?

Ohhh it is nice to see it all together and finished!

My latest project, however, has been my most favourite by far. It was based on the 2010 Traces project where childhood and family memories formed the basis of research and design solution. When contemplating what memory to focus on, one stood out from the rest, caravanning. From my birth to 2000, I and my family regularly attended caravanning rallies and it became a social, family bonding event. They were happy, innocent times which will always influence the person I am today.

From this memory I first focused on primary research by analysing 26 wallets, all brimming with hundreds of family photographs. A number of consistencies stood out, which later turned into inspiration for my designs. My primary analysis however, was not enough and I extended my research by beginning to think about what a caravan actually is. From this I came up with my "transformers" concept. Functional clothing that transforms to the occasion without using more resources, increasing its usefulness and, in the long run, saves customers money.

And here are the results....

My first illustration board. The same garments are worn by both models however they have "transformed"

My second illustration board. The same garments are worn by both models however they have "transformed"

 My final flat drawing board. All garments featured on my illustration boards are on this board. They all feature full construction detailing.

My final Mood Board reflecting my inspiration and the happy, fun tone of my trend.



So what do you think?
I would really love you to leave any comments below

Zoe x

Michelle Obama's ASOS Dress: A Sell out again!

I really love that even A-list celebrities cannot resist the offerings of high street brands. In August 2012, Michelle Obama famously wore an ASOS red and white checked skater dress, which instantly caught the eye of audiences. The £55 dress quickly sold out, leaving some late comers disappointed.

But don’t worry, after 6 months, due to popular demand, the dress has been put back on sale for the same bargain price. Sadly that’s where the excitement stops as after yesterday’s huge publicity, the dress, yet again, has sold out. The only trace left is on ASOS's US site, where the fast sell out is confirmed. You can find the dress here and maybe, just maybe, it might come back in stock.

Zoe xx

Melissa Footwear S/S 13

My favorite footwear designer is Melissa and I have been known for my plastic fantastic shoes for the last 3 years. My very first pair were brown, flock textured, Vivienne Westwood dolly shoes with a circle peep toe. They were completely different to any other shoes I had ever seen or bought before and I instantly fell in love with them. From then on I have bought numerous pairs of Melissa shoes and have never been far from delighted with their performance and style. Below are a couple of pictures of my most loved and latest Melissa shoes. Both worn to death but still looking as good as new, another thing Melissa does better than anybody!

I also constantly keep upto date with the latest Melissa styles and here are a couple, SS13, Melissa shoes with have caught my eye. 

Again the collection features a fantastic mixture of designer collaborations rich in style, colour and eco-credential. 

As always my immediate attention focused on the Vivienne Westwood range and I loved the results. I particularly like the new "Ultragirl X Orb Peep Toe Pumps Pastel" in Green. At the price of £85 they are a little expensive but let me assure you, they last for years! They come in a mixture of colours from pink to blue to cream to green. Have a look yourself!

Image taken from nonnon.co.uk

Although not footwear I can wear, I love the little Melissa's and again, for me, the Vivienne Westwood, ss13, designs within the best. They are sweet, fun, dirt and wear resistant, comfortable for precious feet and are very stylish. They are what I class as extremely expensive for children's footwear, however saying that they are practically child resistant so will last a lot longer then most other shoes effectively making up the price difference. At a pricey £60! the "Ultragirl III White Baby Sandals" are my favourites as they are extra cute and the pattern design is great.Have a look yourself!

Image taken from nonnon.co.uk

Have a look on the Uk's official Melissa Website are see if you fall in love with Melissa like I quickly did! 

Zoe xx

Damart Project: Staying warm but fashionable

This is my first blog and I have decided to talk about my latest garment technology project for Damart.

This is a Leeds University, second year, project that me, and the rest of my year group, are all engaging with. Together we are trying to make Damart's thermal range attract a younger market group. Damart are innovators in the thermal clothing sector however most of their customers are aged 50+ and younger focused brands, such as Topshop, are now designing their own thermal ranges and therefore retracting younger customers away from Damart. Damart are keen to change this and with our fashion help, and a new marketing campaign, I believe they can do it.

Our brief therefore was to design one thermal garment to be worn as an outer and/or an under layer. Each design must aim to attract a younger audience and mix functionality with style.

I designed a dress which features a fitted bodice, capped sleeves with gathers down the front, a waterfall drape at one side of the shirt and tight under shorts to provide the thermal requirements needed in the design. The picture below shows my final flat drawing of the design.

My approved final design 

So what do you think? would you wear it?

Please tell me would you think and I will update you on my pattern cutting and construction progress soon

Zoe xxx