Elements of design- Line

1)Lockers and Pant Suit- The two pictures are closely related. The pant suit is a 'actual line'. The line on the garment is woven into the fabic, not only with the black piping but also with the circular shapes as well. Lines in the lockers relates to the black piping.

2)White crop dress and Files- 'actual line' in garment. Printed on the fabric. The zigzag line on dress is similar to the craziness of the medical files. The files fall different ways like a zig zag line does

3)Lightning dress and Sky line- Vertical lighting line of dress and same line in picture. The line continues down the whole dress and picture.

4)Dress suit and Eggs- The pattern in the dress suit creates an implied line just like the crate of eggs. they are similar is shape and line.

5)Yellow dress and Dead End sign- Lines in the bodice of dress are very shape and direct just like the lines of the sign. It also resembles the outline of the shape at the bottom of the dress.

6) Zig Zag Draped Jacket and Stairs-The zig zag line of the jacket is similar to the pictures of the stairs. They have the same line and the eye folles in the same direction. It is an 'actual line' that is created by the pleats and fold of the fabric

7)White & Yellow dress and Windows- 'Actual line" in the dress and also impled. The squares of the dress create a line similar to the windows the the non apparel picture. It is also an 'implied line' because the eye still follows the form the square makes.

8)Black & White dress and Puzzle - The curvy lines of the dress are similar to a puzzle piece.'Actual line " printed on the dress.

9)Colorful dress and Kite- The lines of the dress are very angular and structured like a kite. They are similar geometric line. The dresses main focal point comes from the center of the dress and expands outward.

10) Black & White Dress and Present boxes- The white bows of the dress create a line down the middle. It is an 'actual line' created by pleats and folds in the fabric. The bows in the picture are in a straight line similar to the dress

* All apparel images can from www.style.com. They were from the spring 2010 and fall 2009 RTW fashion shows.

-Davidelfin, Jermey Laing, Shipley and Halmos, Nina Ricci, Topshop Unique, Peter Jensen. Osmen, Kenzo, Collette Dinnigan and Emilio Pucci

*All non-apparel pictures came from www.gettyimages.com. They were changed 30% or greater for uncopyrighted use.

Housing crisis

The economy today is the worst is has ever been and because the economy is so bad the housing market is affected too. Many houses are being put up for sale but just not selling. The crisis started from bad loans being made to people who cant afford the houses that they think can afford because of the low interest rates. The bad economy and the housing crisis can all affect the fashion industry/home fashion industry.

People cannot afford to furnish their homes because they either cannot lay money aside to decorate their home or because its not worth the time and money anymore. People are focusing more about they welfare of their families instead of how awesome their houses look. Just recently here in Greensboro Linens and Things closed. This is all because of the bad economy which affects the home fashions industry.

Challenges in the industry

The apparel industry faces a lot of challenges today. Over the past 10 years there has been a decline in employment not just in the work force it self but mostly in the apparel industry. One of biggest challenges the industry faces is that a lot of companies are moving their production centers over seas. This has cost many people their jobs and has also caused a decrease in the authenticity of products. One event that also affected the apparel industry was September 11th. This caused a number of factories in downtown Manhattan to close, because they were unable to receive supplies and deliver orders for several weeks.

Another challenge the industry faces is the economy.  More business are going bankrupt, more people are losing their jobs. Without the consumer, the apparel business can not flourish. During this economic depression money is tight. People are not spending as much going out to eat or even going shopping. Another challenge the industry faces is the lack of idea. Styles are repeating over but it is harder to come up with new, stylish ideas for clothing. Some designers are still able to produce amazing garments never seen before but I have notice some designers struggling to bring forth new ideas that will help their company. 

All of the challenges the industry faces tie together.  I believe September 11 started the downward spiral of the industry. After the terrorist attack, more jobs started to move overseas and the shops specifically in Manhattan were affected the most after this. Once the jobs move overseas the American people suffer. Without jobs people cannot buy clothing which then affects the business, causing them to go out of business. Without the business the designers cannot come up with new ideas to help their business. Unfortunately everyone suffers.

sweatshops

When first discussing this topic about sweatshops I was initially opposed to it and overall disgusted by what they are. After some further research and class discussion today I would have to say I am for sweatshops even through I still think they are horrible. The Department of Labor defines a work place as a sweatshop if it violates two or more of the most basic labor laws including child labor, minimum wage, overtime and fire safety laws.



These conditions that people work are truly horrible and unfair. The workers work long hours with little to no breaks, they are paid nothing for the massive amount of work they do. I do believe it is unfair that people work in these type of conditions but when you really think about it, it is there way of life. It is the persons choice whether they want to work there of not and by working in the sweatshops they are able to provide for their family.

Even though I am pro-sweatshops i do believe there are things can could be done to help better the conditions for the workers. If I owned my own company I would not have sweatshops. I would make the sacrifice and pay over more money to not have sweatshops. Of Course i say that now because I am not in a position to make that choice but as of now that is how i feel. Sweatshops are a double standard. They are bad conditions in an unfair environment but they also are helpful towards people by providing work so the family can have a life.


http://feminist.org/other/sweatshops/sweatfaq.html

Art......Usability???

According to Websters the word ART is defined as: human creativity, skill, creative work. USABILITY is defined as: can be used, fit for use. This year at the Milan fashion week these two words were bended together to make usable art. Normally the Milan fashion week leans more towards the artsy side of fashion, showing clothing that really could never been worn in public. It has always an extravagant piece of walking artwork. This year is a different story. Most of the fashion I have seen has still had the artsy appeal but is also very wearable.

The picture above is from the Just Cavalli show. This dress is both artistic and usable. It is a great style dress that can be worn out anywhere. The face printed on the dress adds the element of art. It reminds me of a subtle Andy Warhol piece printed on a very wearable dress.




These two dresses are from the Moschino show. Even though these dresses are very different from the Just Cavalli show they are still usable. Yes, they are more extravagant but somewhere, someone will have the guts to wear these dresses and they will be able to pull off a very artsy/ classy look.

Throughout the shows bold colors and strong geometric prints were used, but they were used in a way that was very useful. To me, the shows in Milan were able to approach art in a new, brilliant way. They were high class and artistic pieces you can wear outside of the runway. Milan will still be known for the most extravagant and outrageous designs but now it can also be known for the usability in their designs.

Pictures from:http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/S2009RTW-JUSTCAV/
http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/S2009RTW-MOSCHINO/
Definitions from:http://www.merriam-webster.com/

Design Inspiration

For some designers they create a garment inspired by nature, or a piece of artwork. Some designers go deeper and find their inspiration in certain thoughts of emotions. As an aspiring designer I find my inspiration everywhere. I can look outside and a tree and see a dress in my head or I could be doing my homework and envision a shirt. Anything and everything inspires me.

Just recently a lot of my inspiration has come from music. I hear a song and I see a dress. I find that music if my favorite tool for inspiration. Upon given this assignment I had already drawn something. The Muse song “Super massive Black Hole” inspired this particular dress/gown I designed. When listening to this song someone might wonder how I could envision a dress with this song, I wondered the same thing too, but it just kind of happened.

Sorry for the lack of impressive drawing skills. Designing is what I want to do, I just need work on the sketching aspect of it. (click on it to make it bigger)





The dress is black at the top and then lightens to a gray as it reaches the bottom. There is a white band right under the bust. It has a Grecian essence to it, flowing, a lot of fabric. The bodice is gathered and flows out from the gathered waist. The drawing might look like stripes but its not. I wanted the dress to be classy and sophisticated but still keeping it fun and flowing.

This is the music video for "Supermassive Black Hole".....dont watch it, just listen. The video is kind of creepy, its just the song that i love.

Ethnic Influences on Apparel

Designers always have some type of inspiration when designing a collection for a runway show. Some may be inspired by artwork, movies, music and even comic books. Designers often travel to different places around the world to get their inspiration. Recently I have seen more designers have an ethnic inspiration to their fashion. Recently Anna Sui’ s spring 2009 RTW fashion show had an Egyptian inspired theme. The clothing had large Egyptian geometric prints; chokers and an overall very symmetrical look to every garment. Her inspiration comes from Egyptian, African and Indian style clothing.






Any store you go in you can always find some garment with an ethnical influence. Places like Forever 21 and Charlotte Russe have shirts and dresses with vibrant colors and patterns just like the designers are using. Below are dresses  from Forever 21 that have this new ethnic vibe.







These influences not only show up in clothing but they also are apparent in accessories too. Some of the most popular accessories today have ethnic influences behind them. For example bangles, originated in India….Turquoise jewelry was worn by Native Americans…scarf’s are worn by Muslim women… slouchy berets, from French culture. The most popular garments and accessories that we wear today are inspired by other cultures. I personally cant wait to see what the next new ethnical inspired clothing will be this upcoming spring season.



1st photo from: http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/S2009RTW-ANNASUI
Other photos: http://www.forever21.com/category.asp?catalog_name=FOREVER21&category_name=acc&Page=1