Today I had my first design process class at NYSD. Rather than start with a garment that inspires me and around which I create a total look, now I must learn to create from a concept. Our first assignment is to identify a setting that will become our concept and then find and bring pictures (that do not include clothes) that visually convey the essence and details of the setting. From this we will draw our inspiration for the garments we wish to design.
As I began my assignment about a concept, I found myself drawn to a book containing photos of abandoned spaces in Japan. Outlines of rooms, architectural details, possessions, flashes of color and curtain-less windows that are letting in beautiful light remain. You can see in and you can see out. There is transparency, Rather than design something entirely new (although whether anything is ever entirely new in fashion is an open question, ask Diet Prada), I find inspiration in these places that were once full of life as shown by the objects and remnants left behind. They seem to be waiting for what could come next. They are not fighting, they are waiting. They are sad places but also hopeful places. I think they seem to capture something of how I feel about the times we are living in now.
Fashion and style are ways to convey what and how we feel about our identity, our culture and the historical context we live in, as Alessandro Michele of Gucci did with his most recent collection (like it or not). I have to say, as strange as it was, it was refreshing to see that someone had in fact an interesting idea about the world we are living in now and conveyed it through his design rather than the relentless commercialism of NYFW, So I take inspiration from this designer for taking on his “red”, and not being afraid. As the month of “red” ends and we move towards Spring I feel excited to see what garments may actually emerge from my flashes of color and curtain-less rooms.
How have you been taking on your “red” during the month of red?
Wonderful! Good luck with the assignment.
The design processs is such a creative opportunity! It is hard to do something truly new. But freshness can be in the details, as well as the big picture—and perhaps more so. A very particular color. The unique texture. The way light is reflected or absorbed by a fabric. How does it he fabric move; how does she he wearer move in it. The transparency or opacity. And spaces, holes, openings…..
I hope you relish every single minute meant of doubt and triumph on this creative adventure!
I love this first class, literally and metaphorically, initiative. It is so grounded in your approach and what you represent in your life concerining fashion, as well as in how you’ve consistently delivered it to your audience. The abandanoned places of Japan as your inspiration are hauntingly evocative with a spiritual veil of resurrection…so apropos in leaving behind "red" and moving into the new beginnings of spring, breathing life into empty spaces. A beautiful path covered within the fragrance of an appreciation of what was and what is to become.
Noel-Carmen
Are you willing to share the name of the book of abandoned spaces that inspired you? It sounds evocative.
I love what you said, "Fashion and and style are ways to convey what and how we feel about our identity, our culture, and the historical context we live in.." – wonderful. It’s like living art. Thank you for this and for a great post!
Your approach to your project resonates with me. I teach creative process and am always asking "What wants to happen?"
Thanks for the window into your fascinating process.
The book might be the one discussed in this article… fascinating pix! http://www.businessinsider.com/photos-of-an-abandoned-japan-eerie-post-apocalyptic-world-2017-11#he-said-he-felt-a-certain-philosophy-behind-a-lot-of-what-he-captured-12
I take on red with hints of it in my clothing. As I sit here and read your blog, I’m not a huge red person accept for maybe Christmas time. I have one red pant suit which I like a lot. However I’m realizing my mindset of red and where I have been brain washed as a child and teen many years ago. It dawned on me I still see red as a forbidden color within my subconscious mind and that’s not ok. Being in my 40’s has helped me become resolute and decided how I choose to live and not what’s chosen for me. You bring inspirartion happiness and boldness and I love it!!