Week 7 in Fashion Design & Textile Art

It's been 7 weeks so far since I've been here at Fashion Design & Textile Art. I've learned a lot! I came in here knowing nothing about sewing machines nor hand sewing. Learning how to hand sew and use the sewing machine has really skilled me having more patients and focusing more. I learned many techniques from my peers that have more knowledge to sewing, and it's really great to learn something in many different ways. For example I learned how to tie a knot in four different ways! Which is really helpful because you can use this skill to secure your stitches, when it comes to hand sewing. Also I learned varieties of stitches and how each one is unique. Now getting into machine sewing, I feel like it is more delicate to use. When it comes to using the sewing machine I feel like you have to be in peace, focused, and patient. This truly has changed my perspective towards fashion designers and buy clothing in stock. Overall, learning these basic skills I feel a little bit more comfortable sewing and maybe making a garment.  

what i have learned about machine and hand sewing

  I have learned many things about machine sewing like how to get the machine ready before i start sewing. There is many steps where the thread has to go through the machine to get the machine and thread ready to go and start sewing.  The first few times i would forget some steps but since it is a requirement to do right before sewing then i got used to it and now i get it ready faster. when sewing with the machine it does not really matter how fast you go as long as you know how to hold the fabric, because the machine does the work by itself you just have to know how to control it and for the sewing to go the direction you want it to go.
   Sewing by hand is a whole different process, it is not as difficult to get started with the thread because all you have to do is get a piece as long as your arm and tide a knot at the end of one side. you get the needle inside and then you just start sewing. The difficult part is knowing how to sew and in a specific way because there is many different type of styles and most of the time you want to hide the threat and is hard to hide the thread because you have to be very organize and everything has to be straight. Otherwise, it will look sloppy and sewing has to look very neat and that is why it needs to take time.

Listening Skills

Listening is the key to success in life. This basic skill will get you having better grades, more friends, and even more become more confident in yourself. For instance if you weren't paying attention when the teacher, instructor, manager, etc was demonstrating how to get the job done, then when you're in your own you won't have an idea on to start and this will make you feel like a failure, so it better to listen, ask questions, and stay focus. One thing that was clear was listening is not the same as hearing. Hearing refers to sounds, whereas listening requires paying attention to the dialogue, diction, and tone someone is speaking about. The three basic rules to be a successful listener is   1.) removing distractions. 2.) "Be patient." and 3.) "Listen to ideas not just words." All in all, after reading this article I believe that Listening is a very important skill.
Source: http://www.skillsyouneed.com/ips/listening-skills.html

Ashish | Spring Summer 2017 Fashion Show

London fashion week is here! One of the most engaging collections I saw was Ashish Spring Summer 2017 collection. Extremely unique and diverted. Meaning that this show had both genders and not just the typical female. Which was amazing. This collection had a lot of the Indian, Arabic, middle eastern, etc culture. All of the garments involved graphic words, rhinestones, beads, sequins, piercings, crowns, full face make-up, and live creatures; like snakes. One of the many trends that I observed were metallics. It was influenced in many clothing pieces. Also I saw a lot of modest wear. No lower body was shown nor upper body, except for the males. Maybe it's part of their culture. Overall many bright, sparkly, and metallic were introduced in this collection. 

Photo Credits: http://www.designscene.net/2016/09/ashish-ss17.html

 

Community Service

Community service is very important especially if you're a high school student. The events you are involved in will help you develop leadership skills, communication, socializing, etc. In today's world these basic skills will help you in life to become a better person in any working environment. Also if you're applying to any job or even college. You will probably be most likely accepted or hired, because of the things you have been participating in. One of my favorite experiences was when I was a face painter at an Elementary school here in San Jose. One of my few passionate is applying makeup. So this really helped see what I am going to be dealing with in the future. I realized that not everyone will like your art work and you have to be willing to accept it. You can't give up. All you have to do is willing to try over and over again until your "client" is satisfied with it. Overall, everything you're involved in will help you develop everywhere you go. 

Spring Fendi couture show

Frendi's couture show in Rome by  Karl Lagerfeld and Silvia Venturini for Spring 2017 was full of light romantic pastel colors and a few bold colors as well. This collection introduced stripes, ruffles, collars, flower print, lace, silks, and cultural garments too. Frendi had a very chic calm vibe throughout their line. This collection had a diversity of sophistication to chic and daring looks. One of the most eye catching looks was how they incorporated a pink ruffled waist apron. Was this look suppose to say something of how the common women are influenced to wear that in the kitchen or when cleaning? They not only had one look (waist apron) but they also added a longer pink with gold detailing. I believe this will later make a statement and will not become a fashion trend because of how stereotypical and offensive some people might take it. Nevertheless, Frendi's collection had a lot small mismatched looks with different patterns, materiel, and textures.

  Photo/Source Credits: http://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2017-ready-to-wear/fendi/slideshow/collection#26

Hogwarts’ haute couture

In the Harry Potter films, have you ever thought to notice the extreme uniqueness sense of style all the characters have throughout all the films? These wizards have an elegant, sophisticated, and vintage wardrobe. One of my favorites is Hermione's yule ball dress. The dress on her was fitted perfectly with the ruffles and the layers it had involved and it also fell in nice for the vintage theme they have going one. Also one of my other favorites was the "beauxbatons school uniforms". I believe this is such a cute, but yet sophisticated look for school, and job office, etc. Another favorites of mine was, Fleur’s wedding dress. This lavish dress is my dream dress with all the defined textures it has and the volume it his in the lower part. It also has a lot of symmetric designs and has a unique touch into it. Over all the Harry Potter films has hundreds of unique looks! That are absolutely stunning and original.

Photo Credit:https://www.pottermore.com/features/hogwarts-haute-couture-greatest-fashion-moments-from-the-films

Photo Credit:http://harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/Fleur_Delacour's_wedding_dress

Why have T-Shirts been popular styles with teens for a very long time? Do you think this will change anytime soon?

Will T-shirts go out of trend? T-shirts can be worn in a variety of looks. For instance it can be worn with a skater skirt, under a spaghetti dress, leggings and a cardigan,  high waisted jeans, shorts, it also can be worn as a long dress, etc. This simple garment, I believe this will always be a popular style because of the different outfits you can make upon using just a T-shirt. Also wearing a T-shirt for teens can differentiate with someone. Many teens like T-shirts to make a fashion statement or to represent what they believe in or also demonstrate their culture as well. This is important because every one is unique and wearing a T-shirt can show an image of your favorite band, artist, idol, etc. Also someone can also wear it to show their art work, for example they might love art, cuttings and creating unique T-shirts. Culture as well can influenced in shirts, they can print a graphic design to their T-shirts to represent their, religion, nation, and beliefs. As you can see there's a diversity towards wearing a T-shirt and I don't think T-shirts will ever go out of being in trend. 

Photo Credits: www.pinterest.com

Photo Credits: www.pinterest.com

What is avant-garde fashion? Why do you think many celebrities dress in avant-garde fashions" What celebrity behaviors support your thinking?

Photo Credits: www.pinterest.com

Avant-garde fashion first happen in the agriculture and culture as a fashion style it appeared in the 1920's in Japan. This look is created by geometric or shapeless silhouettes and form very creative and interesting cuttings. This idea creates a very lavish and original movement in the fashion industry. "It includes experimenting with fabrics, opting for different types, varying in thickness, texture, and overall looks, which may be both glittery and matte".  Today this style is rare throughout the world. Designers make their own combinations of garments and can differ through ones ideas, idols, mood, etc. Celebrities, whatsoever, like Lady Gaga, David Bowie, etc. I believe these people love the idea of being unique, creative, and love being center of attention.

Photo Credits: Wonderwall.com

Source Credit: http://www.avantgardeproject.org/fashion/define-avant-garde
                      http://styleblazer.com/227212/avant-garde-fashion-fall-2014/

RiRi's Style

Seems like everyone has been talking about the amazing outfits of Rihanna aka RiRi (Famous Pop/Hip Hop artist). From her looks from the VMA's, MTV awards, Met Gala,her everyday social life, etc. Rihanna definitely knows how to put together a look and transform it into her own style and make it unique in a glamorous way. For example, she would wear ordinary garments that you would think would't go to together, like how she wore a "pin-striped maxi dress with a baseball cap and white sneakers". You don't see this type look everyday. Another look she wore was an "embroidered" green suit and pointed-toe heels. Also one of my favorites is a Marc Jacobs "floral embroidered and slit gown" she wore, with a pair of pointed-toe converse heels. So can we call her a trendsetter? I absolutely agree. Rihanna knows how to make a basic rag and turn it into a stunning garment.

Photo/ Source  Credits: http://www.elle.com/fashion/celebrity-style/news/g8638/rihanna-best-fashion-moments/?

How do you feel about what you read? Do you think there is room for different types of models on the runway? Why or why not? Do you think the runway at NYFW is a good place to bring awareness to global issues? Why or why not?

Whether you're short, tall, thick, thin, or even have disabilities I believe that everyone belongs in any runway show. This shows the diversity throughout the nations and how everyone is different and not just a typical tall and thin woman or man model. I think  NYFW is an excellent way to demonstrate global awareness because of how this event brings a lot of attention and the people will realize what's going on among the world they live in. The fact that the media hides many aspects like being born
 with disabilities and having any sort of syndrome. Also being abused and having physical damage for life by the attacks in your nation, it is a great way to show off your beauty through this event.

http://www.sheknows.com/beauty-and-style/articles/1075655/fashion-week-models-with-disabilities

What is a fashion classic?

Hi everyone,
Today we will be discussing a fashion classic. What is a fashion classic? It is a design, garment, and, and a style that has been around a long period of time and has not gone out of trend. For example, little black dress has never gone out of trend and will always be a classic because of the variety of looks you can create with the dress, whether it's for an evening or a night event you can go beyond with how you style it. Another fashion classic has to be Converse. These pair of sneakers have been around sometime and you can basically pair it with anything like, a loose short dress, mid- length skirt with a crop top shirt, high waisted jeans with a basic tee, or even leggings with a loose button-up blouse to give your outfit a more comfy look. Also one of my favorites classics are scarves. You can either wear this as an accessory during the spring or summer or wear this for the cold winter days. For instance, for a summer day you can wear a bright colorful scarf with a white lace dress and pair it with sandals. And for the cold winter days you can wear a knitted scarf with a long sleeve sweater and thick leggings with combat boots. Overall I think these are one of the few ultimate classics in the fashion industry.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/303781937334942965/

Trends

What is a fashion trend? A fashion trend is a direction in which a particular change or fashion is moving. I think a fashion trend is born by an idol. For example: Jaden Smith, Rihanna, Lorde, Lady Gaga, Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, Beyonce, the Kardashians etc. All of these people are well known and are idols to this generation of these young men and women. These idols and public figures are the ones who start a trend, because of their popularity on social media and in the real-world. For example when Kim Kardashion wore jean Thigh-High boots, I think later in the fall this trend will be in and will be wore by many other people. Also all of the trends I believe can happen where ever you have the Internet, so it doesn't matter if you live in a small town, big city, rural areas, suburban areas, etc. I absolutely believe that if you have the Internet and have any type of social media, like Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc trends will begin. The fact that social media is such a rapid industry anyone can see it can in their own begin that trend in their area.  

Picture Credits: http://fashionbombdaily.com/show-review-kanye-west-for-adidas-yeezy-season-2-ready-to-wear-spring-2016/

What "Needs" do you think Haute Couture satisfies?

Satisfaction toward haute couture can be different within the person needs. I think one of the needs that makes people content is being able to represent their status through garments and designers print. For example a prestigious woman from Paris, that is well known may be want to be seen only in haute couture fashion clothing and this will demonstrate her wealth and her social class. Another need that can fulfill people is being unique. Some people that are in the Hollywood industry may want to dress differently than others (actors, artist, musicians, etc) and want to stand out. Also haute couture can please your culture garments. For example if you're getting married and you're part of the Indian culture you may want to get your dress by a haute couture designer because of the embedded details and art work the dress will have. This also means what social status you're in and how prestigious you are. Overall I think these few ideas satisfy the haute couture needs among people. 

Picture Credits: https://toomanygrandmas.wordpress.com/tag/haute-couture/

In your opinion, is Haute Couture a dying art? Why or why not?

Is high fashion a dying art? Also know as haute couture. Personally I absolutely believe that it is a dying art. For that fact that it takes 100 to 700 hrs to make an evening dress according to fashion articles it takes, passionate, skills, and patience to create a handmade garment. Men and women that are well known and that are in the fashion industry now a days want something fast they can wear by the next day, because of how busy their agenda is. Also other people, on a daily basis they go into stores to quickly by of the rack clothing. This is a cause of how this generation is full procrastination and everyone wants something inexpensive and fast. For example if you're a young women in the music industry and you have an event like the VMA's to attend the next day you can quickly go into a boutique, find the dress in stock, get fitted and will probably have your dress, suit, etc in a couple hours. Unlike buying off haute couture, were it can take months to have a unique dress handmade to your likings with the short amount of time you have.

Picture credits: http://www.fashioningfeathers.com/2016/choosing-a-fashion-design-school.html

Which couturier are you going to feature in your paper? Why did you choose this person to learn more about?

For my couturier I chose, Charles Frederick Worth (aka as the the father of haute couture). The reason I chose him was because without his work and credibility fashion in general, wouldn't be how it is today. He was the first to create the rules of fashion design and call high fashion "haute couture". He was also the first to use people to model his clothing. His fashion also attracted European royalty, in  the 19th-century.  Charles Frederick Worth’s dresses were known for their lavish fabrics and cuts. He created unique pieces for his most important clients, but also made a variety of designs, showcased by live models. Women came from all over Europe and from America to be dressed by him. The design, style, and embellishments was all created by the customer. One of his most know clients were: Empress Eugenie, Cora Pearl, Countess di Castiglione, etc. In 1870, Worth closed Worth & Bobergh on the Rue de la Paix, only to reopen the following year as The House of Worth. After his death on March 10th 1895 his sons Gaston (founder of Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture) and Jean-Phillipe took control of the House of Worth which continued to flourish and influence fashion well into the 20th century. 

One of Worth's designs
Picture credits: indulgy.com