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For this task we had to create a high fashion ad campaign to promote a product of our choice. I decided to design a magazine cover for 'Gothic Beauty', with my product of choice being clothing.

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Before beginning my magazine cover, I completed my canva training so that I could achieve my canva essentials certificate. The skills I have learnt may help me with editing my magazine cover.

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Since I'm going to be designing a cover for a gothic magazine, I wanted to incorporate aspects of gothic fashion into my cover. I would like to combine features of gothic fashion with the gloominess of the beach on a cold, dark day. I began the process of designing my magazine cover with creating a mood board. I did this so that I could clearly showcase the feeling I would like the photos in my magazine cover to convey, and so that I had clear inspiration to stick to.

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After creating my mood board and deciding on what sort of pictures I would like to take to promote this product, I began experimenting with the photography.

I decided to take photos on different parts of the beach to experiment with the different backgrounds. I like the outcome of this photo that I took on the rocks, however I feel like it fails the showcase the clothing well, and since this is the product I'm supposed to be promoting I decided not to use it for the cover of the magazine.

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I also experimented with taking photos with my front profile, and I'm happy with the outcome. I feel like this photo displays the clothing well and would promote the product well. I may take this photo further by experimenting with using it as a magazine cover.

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I experimented with taking photos which utilised the reflection in the water. This created a very cool effect for the photo and I'm happy with how this photo turned out. I also feel like, since I'm the centre of the photo, the clothes are showcased well and this image would promote the product effectively.

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Secondary research - Researching 'Gothic Beauty Magazine'

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Secondary research - Researching 'Gothic Beauty Magazine'

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Before I began designing my magazine cover, I decided to look at covers for the 'Gothic Beauty Magazine' so that I knew what to include. I paid attention to the fonts used and the layout of the cover. The cover of this magazine has text surrounding the main focus, which is the model, in the middle. I will include this in my own magazine cover design.

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After looking at a second magazine cover from 'Gothic Beauty', I found that they always include the categories of the magazine at the top of the cover. I will assure to include this in the design of my magazine cover.

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I then began editing the cover of my magazine. I decided to use a black border around the photos I took showcasing the product, not only so that it stood out but since this is something Gothic Beauty often includes in the covers of their magazine. I included the categories of the magazine on top of the cover and used the same fonts and similar fonts for the text. I assured that the text was surrounding the clothes but not covering them, since this should be the focus of the cover. I like how this magazine cover turned out, however I’d like to experiment with editing the other pictures I took to promote the product and see if I prefer the outcome.

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I edited the same magazine cover design onto this image I took, and I prefer this outcome. I feel that the atmosphere of the photo aligns better with my mood board, whilst still showcasing the clothing well. To improve, I could have experimented with different editing and styles, such as using coloured or bold fonts, or including more images. Overall, whilst there are some areas to improve, I am happy with the final outcome of my magazine cover.

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For this project, we will design and create an accessible fashion garment that addresses a specific barrier within the fashion industry, making it more inclusive for an identified group of people. The fashion barrier that I have chosen to address is clothing that causes sensory issues for people with autism or sensory sensitivities. I chose this since the current fashion industry often falls short when it comes to creating clothes that are friendly to people with sensory issues. Many people with sensory sensitivities, including those on the autism spectrum or with tactile sensitivity disorders, experience discomfort due to common clothing features like tags and seams, fabric choices or the fit and tightness of the garment. These features can cause irritation, as some individuals are highly sensitive to textures or that can feel scratchy, tight, or uncomfortable since it can feel overwhelming. Some fabrics can also make rustling or crinkling sounds when moved, which can be distressing to people sensitive to sound. While there has been some progress with adaptive clothing lines (e.g., brands creating clothing for people with disabilities), there is still a gap in offering sensory-friendly options across mainstream collections.

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To begin this project, I will explore various sewing techniques for fastenings, including an invisible zip, regular zip, poppers, hook & eyes, velcro, magnets and eyelets, designed to assist individuals with disabilities in dressing more easily and independently.

Health & Safety -

• Keep hair tied back to avoid getting caught in sewing machine

• Keep drinks and food away from work

• Always have someone in the room when using the sewing machines

• Turn equipment off when not being used - sewing machines and iron

• Take any long jewellery/lanyards off to avoid getting caught in machine

• Don’t leave the iron face down

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More writing from ‘Fastenings - Hook & eye’ page

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A competitor shopping involves evaluating the shopping experience of a competitor, either in their physical store or on their website. The purpose is to analyze their products, offerings, and marketing strategies, which helps businesses stay informed about competitors' actions and identify viewpoints that they may have overlooked. For my comp shop, I have looked at the range of bags which a variety of stores have to offer, and then analysed who they might be aimed towards based on their designs, marketing strategies, and prices. I initially researched the online websites of these brands, and then went onto visiting the physical stores to compare.

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More writing from ‘Fastenings - Eyelets’ page

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More writing from ‘Fastenings - Velcro’ pages

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More writing from ‘Fastenings - Invisible zip’

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More writing from ‘Fastenings - Regular zip’ page

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Throughout the construction of my fastening samples, I have tried many new techniques and methods that I feel will help me with this project. I experimented with sewing all sorts of different fastenings, such as zips, velcro, eyelets and hook & eyes, that could potentially help individuals with certain disorders or disabilities and enhance their independence and ease of use. I feel happy having learnt how to sew these fastenings, and am comfortable that I will be able to incorporate them into my future work in this project. The construction of the fastening samples had both strengths and weaknesses. On the positive side, the samples I created were carefully constructed and every outcome successfully served its purpose. However, some samples proved difficult to assemble, such as when I had to sew very closely to the teeth for the invisible zip. Overall, having completed the construction of my samples, the experience was very educational and I will be able to carry this knowledge further in this project and others. Going forward, I will assure that I experiment with creating designs using these fastenings in this project.

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For this section of the project, I’m going to be looking at different kinds of seams and deciding which will be most appropriate for my clientele. I’ll also be researching into these seams and looking at people’s opinions who suffer with sensory issues to see which they prefer.

Health & safety -

• Keep hair tied back so that it won’t get caught in the sewing machine

• Take off lanyards and long necklaces

• Always have someone else in the room with you when using the sewing machine

• Make sure the cover on the overlocker is closed

• Keep food and drinks away from equipment

• Turn irons and sewing machines off when not in use

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Seams - Open seam with pinking shear edge

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Seams - Open seam with pinking shear edge

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More writing from ‘Seams - Open seam with pinking shear edge’

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More writing from ‘Seams - Open seam with overlocked edge’

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More writing from ‘Seams - Open seam with clean edge’

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The next step in this project was to begin experimenting with my initial designs. I began by developing a customer profile so that I could understand my target audience, and then moved onto creating a mind map, assembling a mood board, and quickly sketching multiple designs to develop my concepts. I then carefully put together 4 initial designs.

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Before beginning the process of creating my initial designs, I created a customer profile so that I could develop a stronger idea of what type of audience my designs will be targeted towards. I will look back on this throughout my project to ensure that I stay in line with this demographic.

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I began the design process with creating a mind map, where I wrote down every idea I had for my designs. I decided that I want to target my garment towards 17-21 year olds, since I am around this age and feel that there aren't enough trendy but sensory-friendly clothes on the market. I also decided that I'd like this garment to have some inspiration from the 2000's, since this is a trendy style right now which often can only be achieved by wearing clothes that aren't sensory-friendly. I brainstormed with ideas for small details such as lining, seams, and fastenings. This mind map will help me with knowing what features I'd like to include in my quick sketches. I also began considering where I’d like to gather my secondary and primary research on this mind map, however I will come back to this later in the project.

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After brainstorming on my mind map and developing a clearer idea of the path that I'm interested in going down for this project, I put together a mood board to visualise my idea. I found that this has given me a clearer vision of the feeling and aesthetic that I would like my designs to radiate.

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The next step of the design process was to create some quick illustrations, where I had 60 seconds to create 9 designs. I found that this helped me form a basic idea of what I wanted my designs to look like. I then selected 4 of my favourite designs and numbered them. I will take these 4 designs further by creating detailed illustrations where I experiment with adapting certain aspects of the designs, thinking more about the cuts and fabrics.

Feedback -

When discussing my quick illustrations with peers and tutors, I received feedback about aspects of my designs. We discussed the necklines of my designs, and how it's important that they are quite low so that they don't feel too suffocating. I will ensure that I include this in my detailed designs.

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To begin the process of creating my initial designs, I made a mind map to explore and experiment with possible ideas for my project. I found that this technique helped me with getting all of my ideas out and eventually merging them into four designs that I detailed further. I feel that constructing a mood board helped to clarify my ideas, and assisted me when it came to quickly sketching my ideas, since I had a clear vision to guide me. Despite this, when quickly sketching I felt a bit rushed, but still enjoyed seeing my concepts take shape. Rushing the sketches might have prevented me from fully exploring all possible directions, and taking more time with this phase could have resulted in more diverse designs. However, the detailed design stage helped me focus on a more realistic vision for the project, and now, as I approach the final stage of refining the designs, I feel both a sense of accomplishment and some anticipation about making the final decisions. Overall, I found that the mind map and mood board were very helpful in structuring and finalising my ideas., and refining four detailed designs gave me a good starting point to move forward. My next step for this project regarding the designing aspect will be to decide on two designs that I would like to take further. However, before doing this it's important that I complete all my research so that I can gain more insight on what my demographic need, and adapt my designs to assure they meet this criteria.

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Gathering in-depth research is an essential part of this project, as this will provide me with a clearer understanding of my target audience. By exploring how sensory sensitivities impact individuals’ clothing choices and experiences, I can design garments that truly meet their needs. This knowledge will not only enhance my ability to create functional and trendy designs but will also ensure that I address the unique challenges faced by my clientele. Ultimately, this research will allow me to develop solutions that prioritize both style and comfort, creating a more inclusive approach to fashion. I will be gathering both primary and secondary research for this project to ensure I gain a well-rounded understanding of my clientele. I decided when creating my mind map earlier in this project that to gather my research I will be looking at sensory-friendly brands, current trends in fashion, and my target demographic’s personal experiences when it comes to buying sensory-friendly clothes.

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To begin the research portion of this project, I created a short form using Google Forms so that I could analyse and discover more about my target demographic, and what they look for in clothing. The people who answered this form are within my target age range, (17-21), and are people who struggle with sensory issues. In this form, I discovered information that will help me adapt my designs to better cater to my audience. The first questions which I asked was 'What are your least favourite/favourite fabrics to wear?'. From this, I discovered that my audiences least favourite fabric to wear is fabric containing glitter, since it can be scratchy and irritating, whereas their favourite is cotton, since it is soft on the skin. Another favourite fabric for my target demographic is fur, so I will ensure to include this in my designs. Another question I asked in my form was 'What design features do you consider when buying clothes to accommodate sensory sensitivities?'. The answers I received were - fabrics that don't make noise, wires digging into the skin in bras, tight fitted garments, low necklines, and flat seams. I will adapt my designs to make sure they meet these requirements.

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Surface pattern design is the process of creating unique patterns and prints, which can then be applied onto various surfaces and fabrics. For this portion of the project I will be experimenting with different surface pattern techniques.

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Surface pattern - Disperse dyes mood board

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Surface pattern - Disperse dyes mood board

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For my first surface pattern design experiment, I worked with disperse dyes. The task involved creating a textile piece based on a brief, where I was given the characteristics 'multicolour,' 'spirals,' and 'trippy.' I created a mood board to help visualize the brief better, and gain a stronger idea of what sort of textile piece I was going to produce

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To start, I randomly splattered various colours onto a piece of white paper using disperse dyes. After that, I cut a spiral from the coloured paper and printed the design onto a piece of white fabric.

Evaluation -

In hindsight, there are several areas where I could have improved the overall design to align more closely with both the brief and my initial vision as displayed in my mood board. One area I would reconsider is the incorporation of multiple spirals, which could have amplified the ‘trippy’ effect that I was aiming for. By layering different spiral patterns, I might have created a more dynamic and immersive visual experience, which would have aligned better with the psychedelic theme of the project.

Despite this, I am pleased with the outcome, since the random splotching of colours produced a unique and visually appealing result. I think experimenting with different types of fabric could have improved this textile piece. For example, by using multicolored or patterned fabrics, it might have enhanced the trippy aesthetic even further. Trying this technique would have helped me better understand how different fabrics and colors can alter the overall look and feel, which would align more effectively with the brief’s emphasis on psychedelic inspiration.

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For the next surface pattern experiment, I explored creating a repeat pattern design. I started by drawing a design on a square, ensuring that the edges of the design could seamlessly connect.

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Then, I printed the square multiple times, aiming to make sure the edges of each square joined up perfectly to create a continuous pattern. However, I realised at this point that the design did not line up perfectly, and that I should have left around a 1cm gap on the edges of the square. This would have allowed me to draw within the gaps after printing and lining up the papers together, ensuring the design connected seamlessly.

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Since my previous attempt failed to create a seamless pattern, I decided to try again with a different design. This time, I was more careful to ensure the pattern would align properly when printed by leaving a small gap around the edges, which I later filled in to complete the design.

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After printing multiple copies of this design and cutting them into smaller squares, I found that the pattern aligned perfectly when placed next to each other. This success was due to the extra care I took when sketching the design. In my exploration of creating repeat pattern designs, I learned the significance of being patient and not hurrying through the process. Making sure the design aligns smoothly involves focusing on the intricacies, especially in the border areas. Looking ahead, I plan to further explore this method by trying it out on different types of textiles

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Primary research - Interviews with my clientele

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Primary research - Interviews with my clientele

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Following the google form I made, I decided to interview 2 people within my target demographic that struggle with sensory sensitivities. I found that this gave me a much more in depth insight to what they look for in a garment, and has provided me with a lot of information which I will be able to put into my adaptations for my designs.

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The next element I explored in this project was planograms. Planograms are graphical representations utilised in retail to illustrate the arrangement of items on shelves or displays. They assist store employees in arranging items to boost sales, maintain uniformity between stores, and enhance the shopping experience. I decided to experiment with designing 4 different planograms for 4 different sections of a store. I based the layouts and clothing styles off of how I would like for my own store to be.

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Since the store I’m creating my planograms for doesn’t exist, I decided instead of looking at examples for inspiration it would be better to make a mood board to help visualise the ideas I had in my head for the aesthetic and layout. I decided to go for a vintage, grunge, and rustic style, since I feel that by combining a strong aesthetic, sustainable appeal, and a memorable shopping experience, this setup would likely attract customers who are intrigued by alternative styles, individuality, and ethical fashion.

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For the men's section of my shop, I created this planogram with a colour scheme and aesthetic that align well with my mood board. I incorporated garments from all categories, such as tops, shoes, jackets, and accessories, to provide a balanced presentation. The layout is designed to enhance the customer experience by being visually captivating and easy to navigate. Each section is clearly defined, making it simple for customers to locate specific items. By creating an aesthetically pleasing and organized display, I believe this layout can contribute to increased sales, as the visual appeal draws attention and will strike the customers interest. To improve the display, I could have added more garments to the hangers, as they currently feel a bit empty, limiting the range of items on display. That said, I believe the overall layout and presentation is effective, creating a visually appealing and functional planogram.

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Similarly to my planogram I made for the men's section of my shop, for the women's section I ensured I also followed the aesthetic communicated by my mood board. I believe this layout can boost sales by capturing customers' attention, since it is open and decorated nicely. To improve the display, I could focus on ensuring the garments follow a more consistent style throughout, as the current variety might make it harder for customers to navigate and find what they are looking for. Moreover, I feel that the presentation and layout for this planogram is slightly less functional. I feel that it would be better for me to have moved the jeans on the top shelf to the bottom shelf, or in the draws, since this would be more accessible and easier for customers to reach.

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My autumn planogram is by far my favourite. It perfectly aligns with the feelings conveyed by my mood board, combining the vintage, rustic elements whilst capturing the essence of the season with a strong, cohesive layout. The use of warm, earthy tones and thoughtfully selected garments makes it visually captivating and inviting. I believe this design will not only enhance the overall customer experience but also contribute to increased sales, as it draws people in with its striking presentation and easy-to-navigate structure. One area for improvement could be to include more t-shirts to diversify the range and cater to customers looking for lighter options. While the current selection covers categories like outerwear, shoes, and accessories, adding more versatile pieces like t-shirts would give the display even greater variety, making it more appealing to a broader audience. Overall, I'm confident that this layout is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, creating the environment for a successful shopping experience.

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The final planogram I created was for my summer season section, and while I feel it slightly deviates from my original mood board, I am still pleased with the outcome. The design successfully portrays the feelings of summer through the vibrant colours, beachy styles, and seasonal decorations incorporated into the display. I ensured that the the layout was clear, allowing shoppers to easily navigate the section and find the items they’re looking for. This enhances the customers experience and satisfaction, since it would be an effortless process. One area for improvement could be the addition of more clothing categories to cater to a wider audience. By incorporating more diverse options, I could better meet the needs and preferences of my customers. This could be achieved by adding additional display units or cupboards to showcase these new categories. However, I believe the current layout is functional and visually appealing, and I’m confident it would entice customers and drive sales for the summer season.

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Secondary research - Dolce & Gabbanna, 2001 fall ready-to-wear collection 

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Secondary research - Dolce & Gabbanna, 2001 fall ready-to-wear collection 

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More writing from ‘Secondary research - Dolce & Gabbanna, 2001 fall ready-to-wear collection’

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Designs inspired by my research into the Dolce & Gabanna 2001 fall collection 

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For my first design, inspired by my research into this collection, I redesigned some of my favourite features. When researching the collection, I wrote about how I really liked the structured sleeves and plaid fabrics, so I decided to bring these elements into my design. I feel that the way I incorporated these features gave my design a punky look, which still remains true to 2000s fashion. Although I like this design, I think that certain parts could be uncomfortable for my clientele. It’s possible that the fur trim on the sleeves could feel itchy on people’s skin, specifically people that struggle with sensory sensitivities. I’ll have to research further into my clientele’s likes and dislikes regarding their favourite fabrics, and I’ll have to evans I’m very careful when selecting my fabrics. Despite this, I really like the outcome of the skirt design, and I would like to develop it further.

For my second design inspired by my research into this collection, I designed a similar top to my first one. However, in this design I incorporated panels of gathered fabric. I like the outcome of this, and prefer this top to my first design. I would like to experiment with different ways and techniques to gather fabric in the process of developing this design further.

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Secondary research - Current trends: Fur

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Secondary research - Current trends: Fur

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More writing from ‘ Secondary research - Current trends: Fur’ page

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Designs inspired by my research into the current trend of faux fur 

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Influenced by my research into faux fur, I developed two designs which include different faux fur fabrics in different ways. For my first design, on the right, I designed a plaid vest top with an attached afghan fur shawl. This was inspired by the Michael Kors afghan fur coat, which I wrote about in my research. I really like the outcome of this design, and feel that it will be a comfortable, yet stylish, garment for my clientele to wear. I believe that this design complements the autumn season perfectly, while staying true to my 2000s inspiration. I’d like to take this design further, however one thing that I would is the strap which goes around the neck, as it could feel restricting and uncomfortable for people that struggle with sensory issues.

For my second design, inspired by the trend of faux fur, I created a pair of low-waisted, boot-cut jeans with a fur trim and a thin fur belt. I believe that this design embodies the fashion styles of the 2000’s, and I’m pleased with the outcome. Although I like this design, I’m currently unsure if I will be taking it further, since I’ve heard that tight jeans can be uncomfortable for people who struggle with sensory sensitivities. As a result, I will be waiting until after I research further into my clientele, through forms and interviews, to decide if I’d like to develop this design further.

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Secondary research - Current trends: Pleats

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Secondary research - Current trends: Pleats

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More writing from ‘Current trends: Pleats’ page

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Designs inspired my research into the current trend of pleats

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Inspired by my research into the current trend of pleats, I created 2 designs which incorporated pleats in unique ways. For my first design, which I’ve shown an image of on the left, I experimented with creating a look which juxtaposes two contrasting styles, which was inspired by my analysis of the streetwear fashion seen in Phil Oh’s photography. For this design, I incorporated both a formal style with a casual, yet edgy style. The design consists of a tightly tailored shirt, layered with a waist-starting corset. I chose to include a corset in my designs for its versatility in both formal and casual styles. I added buckles to the front of the corset, which I think enhances its edgy appeal. To include my research into pleats in this design, I created a short ruched skirt with a ring of large pleats around the bottom. I’m happy with the outcome of this design, however to improve I could have designed the skirt so that it could be worn in two ways. One way could be to wear it long, and the other could be to pull it shorter with drawstrings on each side, which would create the ruched effect that I wanted to achieve. I feel that this would have been another way to incorporate the two contrasting styles of formality and edginess into my design. Despite my liking for this design, I’m not sure how my clientele would respond to it, since the tightly tailored shirt and restrictive corset could be a cause for sensory issues. Due to this, I’m not sure if I will be taking this design further.

For my second design, in the right, I designed a mini skirt with different tiers of both big and small pleats. I could have improved this design by adding a few more layers of pleats, since I feel the extra detail would enhance the overall design. To make this skirt more comfortable for my clientele, I designed an adjustable waist. This will help with ensuring that the skirt doesn’t feel restrictive on the waist. I’m happy with the outcome of this design, and would like to experiment with taking it further in this project.

To further my research into pleats, I’d like to experiment with using different techniques on a variety of fabrics to sew different pleat samples.

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Primary research - Trend research in Cardiff stores

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Primary research - Trend research in Cardiff stores

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Primary research - Trend research in Cardiff stores

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Primary research - Trend research in Cardiff stores

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Primary research - Trend research in Cardiff stores

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Primary research - Trend research in Cardiff stores

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Research - Fabric experimentation, Embroidery 

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Research - Fabric experimentation, Embroidery 

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Research - Fabric experimentation, gathers

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Research - Fabric experimentation, gathers

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More writing from ‘Research - Fabric exploration, Gathers’

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The next step I took in this project was to generate my final design. To do this, I began by adapting my initial designs with information I had learnt from my research and any inspiration I developed. After this, I decided on my favourite design and developed it further through including more detail and creating a design board.

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Final designs - 4 initial designs with research adaptations

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Final designs - 4 initial designs with research adaptations

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The next step I took towards creating my final design was adapting my four initial designs to align with my research I had gathered. I included the trendy aspects I researched such as faux fur, pleats, and animal print, but also adapted the designs to be more comfortable for my clientele based on research I gathered from my forms, interviews and other sensory friendly brands. I feel confident that because of my research, I was able to blend trendy elements with comfort-focused design. I found that adapting the designs based on feedback ensured that they are much more suitable for the target audience, and I realised that research-driven adaptations are essential for creating designs that meet client needs. In the future, I would probably research before beginning the design process to ensure both trendy elements and comfort are integrated from the beginning.

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The design which I've decided on creating for this project is my second one. I decided on this one since I feel that it aligns with my research into my clientele, trends, and material experimentation the best. When interviewing people within my target demographic, I found that certain design aspects that they liked were tighter clothes, not itchy fabrics, and lower necklines. These aspects are all featured in this design, which is why I think it is the most appropriate to make. I also incorporated certain trends which I have researched into, such as animal prints, pleats, and fur. I feel that this was important to include since one of my main goals for this project was to produce a trendy, stylish garment. I incorporated some beading/embroidery details onto the hat, since I found that this was a technique I really liked the outcome of when experimenting. Another reason why I came to the conclusion that this would be my final design is I feel that it is appropriate for the autumn season, since it has quite a lot of layering and warm fabrics. My next step in this project will be to begin the construction process.

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Now that the designing portion of this project was over, it’s time to begin the construction process. I have decided to develop a toile of the shirt in my design so that I can ensure the sizing is correct for my final garment. I will not be creating a toile for other parts of my design, such as the skirt, since I will be reworking a pair of jeans to create it and won’t need a pattern. I have decided to use my own measurements for this garment, since I am an individual which struggles with sensory sensitivities.

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My first step in constructing my toile was to find a suitable pattern block. I decided on using this camisole top, since it was fairly similar to my design. I began by tracing both the back and front of the pattern onto pattern paper, ensuring to mark the centre lines.

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Since the pattern didn’t have a seam allowance, after tracing I added a seam allowance of 1cm.

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I then cut around each pattern piece. Since the pattern was a size 12 and I am designing for a size 6, I had to size down the pattern. I did this by folding and removing 2cm of the pattern from each side of the centre line. Another thing which I adapted was the neckline and straps on my pattern, since in my design the neckline is a lot rounder and lower and the straps are thicker. I did this by marking a line of how I would like the neckline to look with a pencil, folding the pattern in half, and then cutting along this line so that it was even on both sides.

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Next, I began tracing my pattern pieces onto calico and cutting them out. My main priority for this first toile was to ensure that the sizing is correct, so I didn’t worry too much about details such as the panels pf gathered fabric in my design.

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My next step was to begin sewing my pattern pieces together. I started by pinning them together, ensuring to leave the correct seam allowance and that the top and bottom of the pieces both lined up.

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I then began sewing the pieces together. I used a straight stitch and black thread to do this. If this were my final piece, I would have used white thread so that it would blend better with the fabric, however since this is only a toile it wasn’t a concern.

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After completing sewing the pieces together, I tried the top on so that I could see how it fit. The sizing of this top was completely off, since it was very tight around the top and very loose on the bottom. The garment in my design is a tight fitter top, so I will have to go back and adjust my pattern to fix this.

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I went back to my pattern and began sketching out where I would cut curves on the side. To figure how much to take off, I measured around my waist and hips. I then measured the waist and hips of this pattern and took off the difference in the sizes, which was 4 inches on each side. I also wanted to adjust the pattern to make the top longer, so I added extra pattern paper to the bottom to sketch this out.

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Since I’ve now made this pattern to fit me better, I decided for my second attempt at a toile I would add the gathered panels. To do this, I folded my front pattern piece in half and marked the curve of where I’d like this panel to begin. I then added a 1.5cm seam allowance to this line and cut along it so that I had a middle section. Finally, I cut the middle section of the shirt in half and added 1.5cm seam allowance to each piece.

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Next, I began making my gathered fabric. To do this, I used the technique which I experimented with earlier in my project. I used a piece of calico double the length of my middle panel and straight stitch 1cm away from either side on length 4. I then pulled the bobbin thread until the fabric began to gather.

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I then pinned the first side of my middle panel on top of the gathered fabric. I also repeated this for my second panel.

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After sewing the panel piece on top of the gathered fabric, I cut around the panel. I did this so that the flat fabric on the back would make it easier to sew my zip and sew the rest of the pieces together.

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I noticed that after sewing the two pieces together, I noticed the gathers slightly flattened. To improve this, when sewing the actual garment I will add more gathers to the fabric. I also feel that the lightweight fabric will help this problem.

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Now that I have experimented with different parts of the fashion industry, for this project I will choose one area to focus on. I will be designing and creating an outfit that Helena Bonham Carter could wear to the Met Gala. Guided by the theme ‘If I could turn back time’, I will be following the past Met Gala theme ‘Sleeping Beauty- Reawakening Fashion’. This theme, inspired by honouring archived fashion pieces, offers a perfect opportunity to revisit and reimagine elements from fashion history. Drawing from Helena’s unique and extreme style, I will aim to develop a look that is both dramatic and original. The outfit will feature an intricate beaded pattern, inspired by my surface pattern experimentation, along with a variety of other fabric techniques. I will have to ensure that this design is personal to her whilst also standing out from the crowd. Throughout this project, I will be researching into archive fashion, Helena’s personal style, and experimenting with ways that I can capture her essence in my design.

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I then pinned the two front panels and back panel together along the seam allowance, ensuring the top and bottom aligned.