Friday, 4 May 2012

Monday, 12 March 2012

Excitement for my portfolio.

I really need to post on here more- apologies for my lack of posts, I have been extremely busy. Work is beginning to be done on my portfolio, and I plan to post a page every time I have created a new one. Composition is the main thing that is drummed into my head, and after many tedious days of attempting to create triangles on Photoshop (It really is as simple as it sounds) I have finally found something that I can work with.

The first page I am about to post is most definitely not complete, a lot has to be done to it but I want to show you how I am planning to use the triangles. This page is on what luxury is to me, in a few weeks I'm sure I will be adding 'time'. I always start my work so early but some how time creeps up on me.

Wednesday, 22 February 2012

Film and Fashion.

Factory Girl and Dirty Dancing- films that are completely different but both have one thing in common: fashion.

The black opaque tights, chunky jewellery, oversized fur jackets and the ability to make smoking look stupidly cool, it was hard to follow Factory Girl as all I was paying attention too was the fashion. Edie Sedgwick the character being portrayed had an impact on people from just her dark eye make-up and cropped hair cut, but It was her choice of clothing that made her stand out and made her the fashion icon that she is today.

As cheesy as many of you may think, there is no denying that the fashion throughout Dirty Dancing shaped the 60’s and most likely inspires many items that you have in your wardrobe.

Such as the high waist; high waisted denim shorts with striped vest tops. High waisted midi skirts worn with shirts tied at the waist and dresses that are discretely pulled in at the waist that emphasise your best assets. The introduction of subtle colours such as palettes of pinks, whites and blues emphasised the shape and fit of the clothing without dulling it down with bland colours.

The two characters portrayed are worlds apart, yet they both showcase incredible clothing that has influenced the clothing I wear today.





Sunday, 12 February 2012

Portfolio.

The huge price tag of Adobe Creative Suite was totally worth it. I know longer dread having to use Photoshop; in fact I actually look forward to using it. I am getting there with In Design and Illustrator- they are both incredibly clever, but I think a few more YouTube tutorials are needed. Looking back on my previous portfolios is complete torture. In fact it hurts my eyes.

My current portfolio that I have just handed in is a lot different to my previous ones. I have used a theme throughout, manipulating every image. I have used a ‘gridding effect’ which I believe worked rather effectively. I have picked out some of my favourite pages to show you- enjoy.




Thursday, 9 February 2012

Here are some images.

I have indeed been abandoning you. I will attempt to write on you more often, but these last few weeks have been rather stressful. Anyhow, let’s open the New Year with some amazing images; Mum and Dad bought me various fashion books for my 20th Birthday, with ‘Unseen Vogue: The Secret History of Fashion Photography’ being my favourite.

Monday, 21 November 2011

‘Like it or not, we are all postmodern now’

Last year we were set an essay on postmodernism, and it’s shameful to say that a recent visit to the ‘postmodernism- style and subversion 1970-1980’ exhibition at the V&A has allowed me to finally understand it. In simplest terms, postmodernism is ‘A radical freedom of design, showcasing funny confrontational and occasionally absurd’ to me, translated too going against what is deemed as politically correct. So why on earth did it take me so long to understand this?

The exhibition was completely stunning, and introduced me to so many new artists whose work was truly inspirational. Vivienne Westwood- quite possibly the most postmodern designer out there showcased the subversive power dress. Printed with stills from blade runner encapsulating the post punk era, it was clear to me that her designs have influenced many other postmodern designers today.

The Lévi-Strauss dress, taken from the Autumn/winter collection in the 80’s was the oddest design I saw. To me, it was reminiscent of a crocodile, yet it made me understand that anything goes. The images of Las Vegas created by Robert Venturi and Scott Brown, and new architectural styles showcased the use of elaborate colours and buildings that were not your standard ‘boxes’ but exaggerated pieces of architecture.

My favourite section of the exhibition was ‘strike a pose’ showing that dancers, art directors, drag queens, pop stars and night clubbers influenced postmodernism. The hologram created by Edwina Orr and David Trayner of Boy George covered in polka dots, showed postmodernism at its finest. The images of Grace Jones, who turned herself into a subversive celebrity and the Talking Heads video translated into postmodern art.

The quote ‘like it or not, we are all postmodern now’ is one that I can finally understand. Some of you who read this may be thinking it sounds so simple and the fact it is, it really is.



Friday, 21 October 2011

Where have you gone?

Having just been to a lecture on commerce, culture and design, I practically sprinted from my lecture theatre down to Waterstone’s (quite possibly my favourite place to visit) to trawl through their extensive magazine stands, to find something obscure on what I have just learnt from my lecture. I knew that Waterstone’s wouldn’t disappoint, as I always manage to find a magazine that relates to my course. Such as ‘Ad-busters’; to me, a majorly controversial magazine, but something you have to read.

As I went up each floor, it became plainer to see that the magazine stands no longer existed. I passed a sales assistant on each floor, yet I refused to let myself asked them where it was as I didn’t want reality to hit. After looking confused/rather upset, I bought myself to ask a sales assistant. They told me the dreaded news that the magazines have left and he does not know when they will be bought back.

A rather over dramatic post, but why have you done this to me Waterstone’s? Please come back.