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.