FMP Design Development

FMP Brand Direction Board

FMP

Extended Research Practices

Extended Research Practices

Research Practices

For our latest module we have been asked to create a range by researching into two contrasting words (again). I chose Spatial and Maximum.

Spatial is how we relate to the space around us, the world of 3D. I'm going to incorporate computer designed wire framed models of simple objects into my designs - hopefully creating quite an abstract look.

Spatial moodboard

With Maximum I deliberately chose it as an opposing word to my normal work. Usually everything I make/design is based on a minimal aesthetic, with this I want to push myself and see what kind of work I can produce.

Maximum moodboard

Having chosen my words I then had to combine to two to create the starting point of my design work. I'm going to make to designs slightly over the top, but not to the point that they become fashion rather than clothing. It will all still be wearable.

Combined moodboard

Blue Collage

'Concealed' Mood Board

After putting our individual mood board's together, this is the final group mood board we created. We came up with the concept of 'Concealed'. A lot of the images we had seemed to focus on either nature, or a man-made object concealing something.

Application of Design

For our latest module we have to design a new product range for the A/W 13/14 season. The range has to be made as if it were for Marc Jacobs, I wouldn't have chosen this brand myself, but as this is a group module, and there were few designers to choose from, I had little say. 

Our range is going to be for a trend (I dislike designing for trends, it seems a little bit too premeditated and preachy) entitled 'Sublime'. According to WGSN this is going to be a trend based on 'an ethereal feeling' with 'subtle undertones'. 

This is the moodboard I have created based on what WGSN describes 'Sublime' as - I've gathered various images which I think convey the tones and palette of the trend. Hopefully once I actually start designing I will be able to put a little bit of my own stamp on the work - so far it all feels a little bit too prescribed by what the 'trend' dictates.

Graduate Fashion Week 2012 Installation Moodboard

HIGH above the STREET Pop-Up Store.

The most exciting about my on-going internship at HIGH above the STREET is the pop-up store element of the business. Steve Banks (the owner of HatS) had the idea to do something which would be more innovative than the traditional clothes store. The idea was to convert the top floor of Munro House into a store. Unlike a normal store it would be more laid-back and less formal. There would be areas to relax and socialise. The store is planned to be opened for just three days each month, starting on Thursday and running through to Saturday.

Steve gave me the opportunity to help with the design, concept and lay-out of the pop-up store. To say that I am only there for work experience he has invested a fantastic amount of trust in me, I have been actively involved the putting together of the event. Other things I helped with included sourcing materials, press and PR, budgeting and creating trial designs.

I created mood boards for ideas of how the garments we going to be displayed. Because Steve didn't want the area to be the same as a traditional shop a wider range of creativity was allowed. An idea we had was to use branches cut from a tree to hang the garments from the ceiling, with tree stumps used to display footwear and various other accessories. This made the room far more relaxed, and was a nice juxtaposition against the warehouse backdrop.

I also worked closely with Steve to plan the layout of the event. One of the most interesting parts was that we had a 'store within a store' for 'B Store' and 'Swear of London' - these are two brands which I was already a big fan of, so it was great to meet the guys from there. This is great for me because with our PPD work experience coming up in April I now have a direct link to these companies, rather than just sending them an email which will be forever unopened.