Ball gowns - British Glamour since 1950

I first visited this exhibition in august at the Victoria and Albert Museum, an exhibition that celebrates "British design and the creativity from 1948 .." arrange of ball gowns from the red carpet to premieres were selectively displayed showing the full silhouette and decorative detailing, capture individual moments and treads in time. When entering the exhibition a simple black and white film captured the glamour and sophistication of the ball gowns. Beautifully finished and made from luxurious fabrics I found myself feeling quite creative and excited to start my final collection. Moving upstairs arrange of fabulous couture garments where merchandised on mannequins, it was particularly interesting to see where each garments had been featured such as the chain mail and diamond tee dress that Beyonce herself had worn to one of here tours. 

Knit wear costumes 

I particularly love the embroidered detailing around the neck line off this jacket as it creates a feminine curved silhouette through surface decoration. 

This ball gown dress has a fantasy theme to it, embellished with feathers and small beading. 

Heavily embellished hat love the mixture of textures and colours captured through overlaying the beads. 

Simple weaved repeated patterns.

Classing patterns

Another favourite of mine from the exhibition, these two above garments remind me of Daphne Guinness due to the structured fit and studded embellishment.

Traditional/ Classic garment shapes.

Foiling

Upstairs - Couture garments 

Chain mail effect dress very medieval inspired, love the way it reflects the light.

I have to say this has been one of the most inspiration exhibitions that I have been to for a while, and has helped me to get back into the creative mode. I loved it that much I had to go back and see it again. 

Happy Birthday To Me

Finally turned 21 a couple of days ago and I got spoilt rotten. Had a lovely time at Mimosa with Kim and Leah, a bread and dip starter followed by posh fish and chips and strawberry cheesecake .. YUM!

We finished off the meal with a nice glass of wine and a chat in the out door garden (which was lit but beautifully) with a live music performance from a local duo. If you havnt been its a definite must!

My new toy!

Today I bought a Kaleidoscope and with out sounding like a big kid.. I havnt been able to put it down. You can get some really interesting geometric patterns that are exploding with colour and texture. Easily amused I know... but they almost remind me of gothic architecture. 

I Love this one the colours contrast beautifully showing off the detailed pattern.

psychedelic or what!

One again the detailing captured here builds to the surface of the pattern creating a three diminutional effect.

Gothic Architecture 

In relation to the summer project set for my third year of university I have began to research various inspirational items or themes. One subject that I found myself referring back to is Gothic Architecture a theme that carries on from my previous project which was inspired by the mews Daphne Guinness and Armour, this of which has a similar gothic vibe to it. I decided to look further into Gothic architecture after narrowing down what I am interested in and what I believe represents the style of work I am hoping to achieve. One brand in particular sprung to mind... All Saints, after looking at there new Autumn/Winter collection and the textile techniques that they use such as dip dying, shibori and embellishment I started to think about how I could transfer them techniques into my own work creating a similar gothic dark, gloomy and quirky effect. With previous experience of using all three of the textile techniques I am interested in developing my work and selectively toning down areas this time in comparison to my previous projects. 

After making my way through various books on the subject I decided to take a visit to various cathedrals and churches in order to get some initial research...

I think these images could be a starting point for my project, I love the use of geometric repeated patterns founded in the brick work and stainless glass panels. This could be recreated through mark making or printing. I am starting to get excited about where this project could lead to .... what this space!