Art Portfolio: Further Research

This blog will show further research of artists and designers' work. I would like to get inspirations from their designs to make my design more creative. Also, I can learn different pattern shapes.

For example, Clothes dissolve on the catwalk during Hussein Chalayan's Spring Summer 2016 show. His designs let me associate a textiles techniques; Free-machine embroidery on dissolvable muslin which use water to melt the plastic fabric and show the embroidery thread.

Photograph by Dan Lecca

I made some samples (2019) of the textiles technique see the pictures below.

Photographed by Evelyn, 2020

I used Angelina fibre and some polyester that this kind of fabric is easy to melt like plastic texture. A cotton piece underneath that it is strong and thick does not stretch when I was embroidering that fabric together. This sample shows the feature of plastic, easy to melt and see-through.

Photographed by Evelyn, 2020

 A similar method, the difference is I add polyester after stitching. When it melted and stuck to the thread. I am not able to make any embroidery at this movement; However, I think it was a nice try that it gives one direction for my creation. I could focus on textures on garment, which to use free-machine embroidery mix with plastic, as the samples shown above. This idea is suitable to create details.

Another innovative design is Balloon Dress which also related to my topic. Inflatable balloon dresses are absolutely mesmerising to watch in utterly bonkers fashion, according to Natasha Harding (2019). In the Central Saint Martins Graduate show, Norwegian designer Fredrik Tjærandsen showcased a range of plastic Bubble Dresses, click here to see the video how it works.



I was excited to look at this bubble dress; It is a brand new idea for me. I have never thought a fashion dress could be shown in this way. I had some ideas about how to innovate, but not sure it would work. For example, if it is possible that the person goes through a wall of cling film, then it wraps him/her up to become a dress. It might be a good concept. I may need a fan to let the plastic film to stick onto the person's body? Maybe, just had a thought. But not going to make it.

Similar concept, balloon dresses by Daisy Balloon. This website is a balloon unit of worldwide balloon artist Rie Hosokai (born 1976) and art director/ graphic designer Takashi Kawada (born 1976). Since 2008, they have produced many balloon artworks. Now showing on their website. Some work from Daisy Balloon, which is my favourite.

Group Exhibition | TOKYO GRAPHIC PASSPORT 2012 +81

Window Display | TAKASHIMAYA OSAKA "Rinten"

Advert | NYLON JAPAN | vol.32 "Kaela's gallery"

Advert | Numero TOKYO 73 "Idea box"

Artwork | 'Forest Apple Bear' DAISY BALLOON Book vol.1

I very like Hosokai's works. They are so spectacular and professional. My favourite is ''Forest Apple Bear''. It is a staged photo; there are many foods, desserts, and fruits on the table. Also, candlestick and wilting flower. They are matching to each other. Conversely, the girl in this image is wearing a transparent plastic dress with brown hair; her skin is white. It shows a big contrast; The photographer used lights smartly to create atmosphere. The main character is bright and the theme colour palette for surrounding is dark. It lets me think of 'Alice in the Wonderland', a feeling of a fairytale. This is the reason why I like this photo, it is very cinematic. Although I am not able to take a series of professional photographs, this research is also valuable and it is similar to my initial idea. I was inspired by Tommas's photos; I have mentioned in the early post.

'Coats also included a layer of see-through plastic over the top, which extended past the hems.' According to  Gareth Pugh's Autumn Winter 2014 show during Paris Fashion Week.

This design shows the flexibility of plastic bags. To be creative and brainstorm ideas. In the beginning, I might not need to thinking of pattern cutting; Just need to think of what shape I would like to make and just do it. Maybe I can surprise myself. This idea I will use for creating 3D work for the next step.

Iris van Herpen, a Dutch fashion designer's work

'Aeriform'

I very like the way how Iris Van Herpen shows the see-through texture like plastic. I think might create this pattern with Free-machine embroidery then I made a sample. It also lets me associate a fashion designer called Xu Ming and his work in Fashion Week 2012.

A model presents a Chinese designer Xu Ming's design

 at China Fashion Week in Beijing on November 1, 2012.

Sample made by Evelyn

I inspired by the pattern from the designers, Xu Ming and Iris Van Herpen, then created this sample piece. I think the technique works quite well with is a pattern. It might look better if on a human body, that viewers can see the see-through texture of the material. I like the effect of the fabric and thread. They provide different volumes and textures.

Most of these works are with the concept of a repeated pattern, where the outcomes are very attractive and standing. I would like to make something like this, but consider the facilities I have now, I am not able to take staged photos like 'Forest Apple Bear'. However, the 'Idea box' is possible.


Reference List:

HOWARTH, D. (2015) Clothes dissolve on the catwalk during Hussein Chalayan's Spring Summer 2016 show. [Online image] Available from https://www.dezeen.com/2015/10/02/clothes-disintegrate-on-catwalk-hussein-chalayans-spring-summer-2016-show-paris-fashion-week/ [Accessed by 17/04/20]

HARDING, N. (2019) Prepare to be equal parts mesmerised and confused by these ballon dresses. [Online image] Available from Balloon Dresses. [Accessed by 18/04/20]

DAISY BALLOON (2020) Work | DAISY BALLOON. [Online image] Available from: Daisy Balloon. [Accessed by 18/04/20]

HOWARTH, D. (2014) Gareth Pugh dresses models like abominable snowmen and wind-up toys. [Online image] Available from https://www.dezeen.com/2014/02/28/gareth-pugh-dresses-models-like-abominable-snowmen/. [Accessed by 18/04/20]

MEAD, R. (2017) IRIS VAN HERPEN'S HI-TECH COUTURE. [Online image] Available from: iris-van-herpens-hi-tech-couture. [Accessed by 18/04/20]