This project has been my most challenging to date, by taking part
in the learning to look brief along side my personal practice, this required me
to take on an an extended final outcome in addition to sampling, to create a
bag that explored my exposing trend and concept.
My practice is heavily
process lead, so within this project I wanted to combine all the techniques I
had learnt over multiple specialisms. Straying away from digital print and
getting back in the print room was a great decision, screen print allowed me to
gain a more personal input with my designs, making each print experimental and
sometimes unpredictable. When combined with my digital embroidery, the screen
print stayed crisp and sharp, which is sometimes a down side to using digital
print, as it can become flat and lost under the embroidery. As well as print
and embroidery, my two most commonly used processes’, I also chose to explore
laser engraving. I feel this is a really exciting addition to my practice,
especially when translated through a fashion context, engraving on the the
different denims I had collected added another element of unpredictability, as
each shade of denim resulted in a different colour of engraving. (See Fig.1)
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| (Fig.1 Laser Engraved Denim Samples) |
Learning so many new techniques and fashion methods along side my self initiated practice was a real challenge at times, however by leaning on the support of the fashion technicians and my tutor Julie, it began to evolve into something I felt entirely comfortable with. This project wasn’t just about making a bag, it was about designing a bag that perfectly expressed the direction of my concept. I felt that the functionalities and style of the bag where just as important as the message delivered, so after a while spent researching, I decided that a large roll top back would connect with my concept perfectly. It is a style that optimises storage space, yet can also be altered to a more compact size. When taking my concept literally, my thought process was thinking of a style that would accommodate what a person would need to pack, if they were going to a protest demonstration (See Fig.2). Overall I couldn’t be more proud of the product that I was able to create, the positive reactions I got from my tutors, peers, as well as passers by in the art school, filled me with an intense sense of pride and accomplishment, with an even bigger drive to continue challenging myself.
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| (Fig.2 Roll Top Protest Bag) |
To continue exploring my context, I decided to create a look book to coincide with my product. Despite only having two weeks left at this point, I was determined to complete all the initial goals I had set for myself. To conduct this at the most professional level, I decided to collaborate with a photography student named Hana. This was by far the most exciting aspect of of this project for me, but also came with many challenges! I had originally planned with Hana to use one of her modelling contacts for the shoot, however unfortunately she had to cancel last minute due to illness. We had less than 24 hours to find a model, which proved to be an impossible task! In the end I decided to feature in the shoot myself. I was actually really happy that it turned out this way, I feel very connected to this project and feel I emphasise strongly with many of the sociological issues that I have explored, meaning that the end images had a strong sense of normality to them. We chose to conduct the majority of the shoot at the Mancunian Way underpass tunnels, which was a location Hana suggested after we spent time discussing my concept (See Fig.3). The graffiti flood tunnels, grungy exterior and outdoor setting achieved the youth orientated, common day feel I had wished to express. Working with Hana was a really inspiring experience, it was great to have an insight into another creative working practice, collaboration is something I will definitely be continuing to take part in as I continue this year.
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| (Fig.3 Photoshoot Collaboration) |
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