Homework

So for my 3D or draping class that I have been doing the spiral draping for we are starting to finalize a project. A lot of the teachers here like to combine classes and in Style Bureau we worked on decadence and I decided to move my 3D project in the decadence theme. I cam up with this drape and then added these colors in photo shop. I was also inspired by Rodarte's use of unfinished darts in their collection this season. I would like to realize this design in Fashion Fabric (meaning not just muslin prototype) but I will have to see if I have time and if the prototype turns out well. The lines on the photoshopped drape would be pieces of red chiffon (or flowy fabric) coming out of seams stemming from the neckline. I would also like to make the jagged flower on the bust an ombre fabric but might have to dye that myself to get the correct effect and scale I am looking for.

Creative Knitting Finished Sample

So the sample from my pattern is now finished and I am starting to knit a different pattern that is loosely based off of this one for a sweater in the same colors I am not sure if I will continue this one or not but I really like the way it turned out especially at a distance where the pattern is more apparent that it is a houndstooth variation.

New Exhibit to visit!!

I happened to walk to a metro station a little further than my usual one and am glad I did because I saw this poster for a new exhibit that I will have to go see!!

Fashion and Business

So this teacher is my Entrepreneurship for Design Teacher who sells high end gloves from Sweden that are quite amazing. Last week she was in New York for Trade Shows and this week she is showing her gloves in Paris where all the big important buyers go. Her brand is called Imoni and they are quite amazing. She has invited me to come to one of the trade shows and based on my crazy schedule I hope I will be able to make it! She is making us start a business and I am starting my business based on my headband designs with ties woven around but I need a name for the business so any suggestions??? Here is a picture of the gloves and my host moms grand daughter in the headband (not exactly the age group I will be targeting but she does look pretty adorable.)

New Book to Read

So the same teacher that let me borrow The Beautiful Fall book lent me a new book to read called Fashion Babylon. I LOVED the other book and she said that this one is even better so I am excited to start!

Drawing HW

So our homework was to illustrate bold graphic trends on the NY runways, polka dots, stripes and color block, many designers have been continuing these trends so it was easy to find. This was my version of David Koma, Vivienne Westwood, and Richard Nicoll.

Interning

Posting has been a bit slower lately because I have been interning for designer Harry Halim who will be showing here in Paris on March 1st. These are a couple looks from his past season.

The Ultimate Fashion Package

So my loving parents (and Aunt and Uncle) sent me an incredible package filled to the brim with goodies! Not just Valentine Sweets goodies but Fashion candy....buttons, zippers, knitting needles, ties and threads in delicious colors and enough reading to last me many metro rides to school. Thank you, thank you thank you is all that can be said!

French Music

Celui by Colonel Reyel...heard this playing in the studio and couldn't get it out of my head.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyXW64L-XZA

Red Velvet Chocolate Cheesecake Cupcakes

So baking in another country was harder than I though. I am used to master baker Jeannie Brown (my mother) and all of her supplies, measuring cups, mixing bowls, and general baking knowledge. The conversions of some of the measurements forced me to guestimate a bit and there were no cup cake pans but if you use two or three paper tins and place them the right way on a pan they will bake as cupcakes anyways and keep their shape pretty well! The chocolate kind of took over and they are not so red but they were quite delicious and a big hit at the surprise party...which is why I baked them. The teddy bear tins were just the perfect cupcake size and too cute not to use as well!!

Draping Knit

So for creative knitting we draped on Friday with cheap knit fabric...hence the crazy stripes. We draped with simple rectangular shapes and will knit these shapes with jacquard pattern and make them into "sweaters." I quoted sweaters because mine is more of a vest. This is the drape I am most fond of thus far. Front, back, and side views.

Neighborhood

Nothing like walking around your own neighborhood and finding cool things. This picture I saw in a gallery right around me and it Marilyn Monroe in a pink american flag. I love the texture.
I find some of the architecture here a bit ornate and every gate with a spiral starts to look the same but this door pattern was so graphic and different. Also I love the reflection on the marble wall next to the door.

Vintage Dress

So today I wore my vintage dress with my lace up boots and threw over a baggy black t-shirt to make it more wintery and dress it down. I also wore my Rivet Necklace that I made from a sample in Jewelry and Metal Smithing last semester. The outfit pictures were a little experiment of me standing on my couch/bed and taking pictures in the mirror. Some of the blurry ones came out pretty cool. The dress is what I call an awkward length cause it is not long and not short, not below the knee...its like mid calf and normally I would probably pair something so loose with something more fitted on top but the kind of grungey baggy look was more what I was feeling today.

Sleeve Details

So it is currently New York Fashion Week and new runway shows appear on style.com or vogue.com each day. Yesterday I was wearing a draped skirt, patterned tights and one of my favorite vintage tops. It is a purple top with round gold studs down the raglan sleeves. I twisted and tucked it into my high-waisted at skirt at night to give the outfit more of a shape. The shape of the sleeves are curved out a bit and I noticed Marc Jacobs, Alexander Wang, Ohne Titel among other designers I have looked at so far have this slightly curved exaggerated sleeve going on. I also love the polka dots at Marc Jacobs.

Went for dinner and a drink at the Pub Bugsy's Tonight...great for watching the football game that was on. Great ambiance and good food and drinks!

If I had to ride on a vespa I would ride this mint-chocolate chip ice cream green one! Love the color!

La La La Love You meal

So my friends found this amazing recipe for a Valentine's Day treat on the blog Grilled Cheese Social, that is right a blog dedicated only to grilled cheese...not exactly what I would call a staple in my diet but hey I am in Paris. Turns out this is more of a dessert/crepe type food. It is breakfast for dinner...my favorite!! It has French toast with a special type of cheese and nutella and strawberries and whipped cream. Very rich! Full the full recipe (and adorable heart cut out version) visit Grilled Cheese Social. I made a lovely open faced one while my friend followed the recipe and made a triple decker sandwhich!! Bon Apetit and Happy Belated Valentines Day!

Fashion Illustration

So our teacher showed us a cool way to use fabric with in our illustrations because as a fashion designer the whole point is for the garment you draw to be realized in fabric....so it is good to keep in mind or give whoever you are presenting your ideas to the type of fabric. It is like a unique and beautiful way to show swatches and the designs combined into one. The sleeves and scarf in this drawing are real fabric. This gives the drawing great dimension. I will have to try some more sketches like this!

Stripes and Spirals

So we have been working on the spiral draping and dart variations so today I decided to combine the two projects and make use of the gorgeous striped fabric I bought! This is my almost finished shirt that I started today inspired by the muslin drapes seen here. First we drape in basic fabric and transfer it to nicer fabric. The stripes create a cool effect I though with the way then undulate with the flares.

Pollly Maggoo

So last night I wore my Maxi Skirt from H&M as a dress. I tied a knot at the waist to make is shorter and paired it with heels, bright blue tights, my leather bomber jacket, gold jewelry and red lipstick (sorry no pic). I met a guy who kept calling me Polly Maggoo because he told me that my dress reminded him of the the movie Qui êtes-vous, Polly Maggoo and he showed me on his phone. I love the sixties mod look and am now inspired to watch this movie, and he told me as a fashion student I definitely should! Also I saw my Maxi Skirt featured in French Glamour this month.

Purchases

The other shirts and sweaters did not photograph as well but I will hopefully create a fabulous outfit wearing them and post them as well!

Vintage Shopping

Vintage Shopping on Saturday! So amazing Freep Star among other finds in the 4th arrondissement and 3rd and 2nd. Limited myself to a few amazing purchases. Printed dress, red suede jacket, sweater, silk shirt, linen shirt and bright sundress. 26 euro total!!