Home Apparel

During the holiday season home apparel companies take a toll for the better. This is because people typically have guests come and stay with them and they want there homes to look the best they can. Unfortunately though with the economy the way it is and the retail market home apparel companies might be in trouble. You'll always have the rich people who are more than willing to chip in the extra money in order to make their homes look extra nice but for the middle class, you will see less and less shopping at apparel departments.

"Theme" rooms as I like to call them (Disney, Elvis, Coca-Cola, Harley Davidson, etc.) which includes licensed, and nostalgia are popular amongst many age groups one of which being the young. Everyone can remember their first big kid bed with the barbie, or nas-car sheets. These are both themes, and these are one way to help keep businesses thriving.

Guest Speaker

The guest speaker who came in to talk to the class was awesome. She was upbeat and very informative. I thought it was both interesting and comforting to hear that she get an internship till her junior year, and it wasn't even directly related t her field. I've heard people say that no matter what you major in you are typically able to work in your field of choice, but it was comforting to hear it from someone who has personally had to do that. I started off wanting to be a fashion major but after further research and decision making I decided that I wanted to major in elementary education. I was really skeptical about making this transition especially since I still would really like to be somehow involved with the industry. I also enjoyed hearing her stories of what she had to do to work her way up. Its nice to hear that things aren't handed to you and it helps kick the reality in that you have to work for what you want. I think that having her come in really opened my eyes and helped me see all of what there is to do. The fabric on the right was one of my favorite from the website. I really like the colors used and the large leaf patterns. The quilt she showed us used many patterns similar to this with a wide variety of colors. The fabrics were ones that I didn't necessarily think would go together but the end product was beautiful. I hope one day I am as passionate and energetic about my job as she was.

Milan Fashion Week

When looking at the Milan fashion week I tried to keep art and useability in mind, which wasn't a hard thing to do at all. I found the clothing to be unique and very unusual but at the same time very beautiful. I'm not sure how realistic some of the designs were I found that some of them were over the top. The pieces individully were items that might of been more 'ready to wear' but for the most part I hard a really hard time picturing the ensembles outside the runway. The use of shear, geometry, and bright patterns was very big this season which I found ironic because usually when the country is in a depression or in war the clothing is usually more dark, but I suppose the fact that it is Milan's clothing plays a factor as to why the color was so vibrant. The shoes alone were a piece of art, they were so vivacious and high. They could of had their very own fashion show, the detail and colors in the shoes were amazing and definitely somthing you don't see everyday. I think that over all the collection was very bright, artsy, and fun but as far as the useability goes I would say it wasn't very practical.

Sketches and Thoughts

  When I sit down to sketch I always try to think about different body types and what looks most appealing on these body types.  I usually try to emphasize the smallest part of the body; the waist, because whether you are curvy or flat a hour glass silhouette is always flattering.  

The photo on the left is the one that I think is the most flattering for the most types of bodies. With out the straps it does make it a little more difficult for very large or very small breasted women to wear but if you were to add sleeves or straps it will make the dress much more appealing.

The other dress on the right is much looser and less "figured", which when dealing with certain frames can be helpful but sometimes if an item is too lost you end up looking like you are wearing a paper bag or you get lost in the excess fabric.

Sketching, whether it be dresses, shoes, bags, or other fashion items, you need to always have a part of you in the piece.  The first piece in my opinion is formal but fun and flirty at the same time.  The dress on the right however is much more classic and simple it has a certain conservative aspect to it that I find very appealing. 

New York Fashion Week

After watching the New York fashion Week for Spring 2009 there were three designers who stood out to me the most. The first being Diane Von Furstenberg; her style is an eclectic blend of nature with a pop of pattern and color. Her unique mix of these creates a fun and flirty spring 2009 collection, with many possibilities. Whether its her white or her vividly colored sun dress there is something in this collection for everyone.

Another design who I really enjoyed was Alexander McQueen. When I first watched his clips from the fashion week I immediately thought classy with an edge. His designs are intricate and yet have a simple vibe to them; the shoes alone are breath taking. He has a way of adding detail without it looking "costumey" or overdone. In his spring 2009 collection he has a wide array of items, between fitted work styled dress to a skin tight one-piece pant suit. Alexander McQueen knows how to push the envelope without busting it.

Finally I would like to talk about my personal favorite design Oscar de la Renta. His style is suitable for a young woman all the way to an elderly lady. His designs bring the fashion world to a whole new level of classy. Oscar de la Renta's spring 2009 collection has a Jackie O, Audrey Hepburn vibe. He is not afraid to be classic while adding a 21st century twist his exploration of color and style is absolutely amazing. He has it all evening gowns to day dresses to dress pant suits. I think he by far stood out to me the most.

Favorite Designer

My favorite designer is Betsey Johnson. I think that Betsey Johnson's style is so unique and flavorful this is what makes her so wonderful. Betsey Johnson doesn't care whats "cool" or what the other designers are doing she designs what she thinks is pretty and what she think is fun. Her style is an eclectic blend of girly meets punk, this blend is one that very few designers can pull off but her stuff has a new fun and flirty edge that works with any style. Not only does Betsey Johnson design dresses, and clothing she also designs accessories such as jewelery and handbags. Her designs are meant for young adults to early thirties; and range in pricing from lower-high end to high end fashion. Betsey Johnson has a few lines that differ in style and age range. I love her because I thinks she not only thinks about her own style but also what girls want to wear!