Locating: Evaluation

I have demonstrated independent thinking through my blog, to show how the drawing and initial research I carried out has helped inform my practice. I have used my time management to complete two projects in conjunction Locating project and Branding project. It has been difficult to balance the two projects, as they were extremely different in both style and context.

I have demonstrated the ability to explore my ideas through sampling. I have taken my initial drawings and ideas to recreate these into knitted samples. I have then reflected on my samples through my blog. During this unit, I have reflected on my yarn choices, this has led me to changing my colour palette slightly adding in much darker yarns, such as Navy blue and grey that are used more menswear collection. Initially I was using lighter greens and creams; it began to look like a Womenswear palette due to my proportions. I have found it difficult to balance out colours within my fabrics, so I started to use larger areas of dark with hints of bright that focuses on the shapes and patterns of the samples.

 As I furthered my sampling I created bolder pieces, I started out inlaying thinner yarns to create a subtle effect. As I progressed and developed my ideas, I began to inlay chunky yarns created through the Lilliput cording machine. This created a high fashion look, as it is extreme and unique. 

I wanted my Locating unit ‘Exposure’ to be very high-end fashion, contrasting with my Branding project created for Zara the high street brand.  

Within my Branding Collection, I was using maroon as a main colour however; this did not relate well with Zara and made my designs look inexpensive. For a high street market, the main goal is to make the clothing look higher-end rather than high street. I started to use black as my main yarn choice as this looks stylish and expensive.

I have created samples for an appropriate audience During the Branding project I had to use simple techniques, as these samples would need to be easily replicated to be mass-produced. I have tested out various techniques to see which would be best suited within a professional high street context.

 I have reflected on my practice throughout this unit and worked to create a strong final collection for both ‘Exposure’ and Branding. I have developed my concepts and pushed yarn choices. My yarn development has carried me through this unit, as I have developed this and continued to reflect on the overall look of the fabrics changing the thicknesses and colours of my chosen yarns.

I have built networks this unit by engaging with the live brief ‘Branding’. I have created a collection of fabrics and visual research suited to Zara the high street brand. Additionally I have interacted with the company Formark, the design company, creating clothes for high street retailers. I have gained a placement with this company during Unit X to carry out a week at their offices. I have created a professional Instagram account to begin to build networks.