kitty.keay

MULBERRY ACCESSORIES AWARD1

2010-06-10T10:01:00.002+01:00

MULBERRY ACCESSORIES AWARD!!! omg i dont think i've ever been as shocked or excited in my life! unreal!! i cant wait to start at Mulberry!

THANK YOU EMMA HILL!

MORE PRESS!

2010-05-29T17:47:00.003+01:00

The Telegraph has also published my outfit, i'm waiting to see if it will be only online or in the sunday paper, but its so exciting to think Hilary Alexander has seen and commented on my work! the quote from Rankin was amazing...

'British student, Kitty Keay, from the Colchester School of Art and Design, was inspired by Marie Antoinnette's frivolious and fun attitude to fashion and admires the same quality in her favourite designer, Ashish. Rankin said, "It was incredibly easy to shoot the clothes - each piece was so beautiful and full of character. I'm sure among the 2010 graduates, we will see a designer that will capture the fashion world's imagination!'.'

PRESS

2010-05-29T17:42:00.003+01:00

I was ridiculously excited to see my outfit in The Mail and on their online site. The feature was exhibiting four students work and mine was included!!! The Rankin image is amazing and exactly what i had hoped for...

WORK PLACEMENT WITH LULU GUINESS

2010-05-12T18:00:00.002+01:00

I just found out that i have a 6 week work placement with Lulu Guinness i am really excited, it is a manic time for me but i think it will be well worth it, i will be able to make new contacts and gain knowledge and understanding.

PRESENTATION

2010-05-12T17:43:00.003+01:00

On Monday I had to deliver a professional presentation to a group of my peers and tutors. In the past I haven't suffered too badly with nerves however i felt myself turning red in my presentation which resulted in talking too fast and fumbling over a few specific words. However i think the positive to my presentation was my passion and drive, i think i expressed my excitement for the future whilst showing my logical and realistic plan in accomplishing all my aspirations. In hindsight, i could have mentioned more however i hope my passion, drive and excitement made my presentation enjoyable and inspiring to the year below.

ARTS THREAD

2010-05-08T11:05:00.004+01:00

As a year we've decided to be apart of a website called www.artsthread.com. Arts thread is an online portfolio for graduates, it aims to promote students for the first year after we graduate, it is used by the industry to find employees or interns. It is a really good site for us, we can upload 4 pages with work on i've been spending the last few weeks really trying to finalise my pages and get them the best they possibly can be.

VOGUE MENTIONS RANKIN SHOOT

2010-05-02T23:33:00.001+01:00

www.vogue.co.uk/news/daily/100324-graduate-fashion-week-2010-.aspx

Looking on Vogue.co.uk I found this article mentioning the Rankin Photo Shoot for the GFW Campaign!

EXCITING!

RANKIN SHOOT!

2010-05-02T22:57:00.008+01:00

I've just found out that my work has been chosen by Graduate Fashion Week to be included in their RANKIN PHOTO SHOOT! I am extremely excited, i can't wait to see the results! I feel so proud that GFW like my work, its really motivated me on the last leg of this journey. I can't wait!!!

Here is some of Rankin's work, from his website www.rankin.co.uk, he's even photographed the Queen!

David Bowie

The Queen

Vivienne Westwood

FINAL PHOTOGRAPH, BY DAVID LAM

2010-04-28T15:10:00.004+01:00

BEADING IN PROCESS

2010-04-12T12:33:00.000+01:00

The Beading Factory

The Front of the Sequin Top

The back of the dress in production

I've really enjoyed beading and sequining my collection in hindsight i probably would have done a whole beaded collection, but due to time that would have been near impossible! I find beading very therapeutic and when I'm not in college it is all i seem to do! I'm really loving the garments and how they are developing, the colours are looking amazing together!

DAVID LAM PHOTO SHOOT

2010-04-09T12:04:00.005+01:00

Here are a few photos i took through each process of the day. The photo shoot went really well and my outfit looked amazing on the model Sophie, i was extremely pleased with the outcome and now just can't wait to see the final photograph!

INSPIRATIONAL IMAGES FOR PHOTO SHOOT WITH DAVID LAM

2010-04-09T00:27:00.001+01:00

I love these images, the make-up is so vibrant and i love the way the colour is not isolated to just the eyes, i also love the artistic approach.

MOSCHINO CHEAP & CHIC - FALL 2010

2010-03-26T11:48:00.002Z

'To celebrate the opening of Maison Moschino, the company's new hotel in Milan's Viale Monte Grappa, Rosella Jardini and her Cheap & Chic team changed up their show format, flying in British pop sensation Pixie Lott to perform and enlisting Italian actress Asia Argento to deejay. Instead of sitting in orderly rows, guests swigged Champagne and stood cheek by jowl in a clear plastic tent as models streamed past them. The concept, as the designer described it afterward, was "all of the different women who come out of the hotel." There was a "Chanel lady" in a bright pink tweed bouclé jacket and skirt, and an "Hermès lady" with a black Kelly bag perched upside down on her head. With Carla Sozzani's famous 10 Corso Como store just steps from the hotel, Jardini sent out "shopaholics" carrying shopping bags with "Full" printed on one side and the Moschino URL on the other. Those were just for show, but the designer did debut a new collection of luggage, dubbed "Lost and Found." There were even maids in black and white uniforms who playfully swatted the people lining their way with feather dusters.

In other words, this was trademark Cheap & Chic: nothing too serious, full of fashion in-jokes, and contagiously upbeat. To wit: The last model out sashayed by in a spangled shift dress with big block letters that read: "Fashion must go on!" Just in case it doesn't, though, it was a clever move for Jardini and co. to branch out with this new hotel.' -www.style.com

LULU GUINNESS INTERVIEW

2010-03-24T16:25:00.005Z

The other day i had an interview for an internship with the bag designer Lulu Guinness, her company are looking for a design intern, the job is expenses paid and would require me to archive and explore their vintage collection, run errands, research for their up and coming collection. I think this internship would be great for me, it is one day a week and would give me access to another aspect of the industry, i have always been interested in designing accessories, it will also help me to further my contacts and give me a great insight to the running of a successful business.

The interview went really well, i'd previously emailed the design director Vicki my CV and brought with me my portfolio, and a box of textile samples. She was really interested in my work and what inspired me, we chatted for quite a while, the interview didn't feel very formal, we discussed designers and labels we liked and also holiday destinations.

At the end of the interview i felt positive, i would love to intern for Lulu Guinness, it will mean extra stress at the end of degree, but i think it would be worth it to gain contacts for my future.

TOILING LEATHER T-SHIRT

2010-03-17T17:47:00.000Z

This leather t-shirt was an initial design i fell in love with, i really wanted to create a simple and sleek t-shirt but with a constructed sleeve that was angular i think i accomplished this with my toile, however as my collection has developed i'm not sure if this garment has a place in my final line-up.

TOILING GOLD DRESS

2010-03-15T22:31:00.000Z

My first outfit, is a gold leatherette dress, i've been toiling the dress in order to get the right angle on the hip, i want the hips to be exaggerated but not too forcefully. Down the front of the dress their will also be multicoloured fringing, i think i need to get a perfect balance between the hip exaggeration and the layered fringing, i don't want the dress to look over the top but at the same time it needs to push the boundary.

I think i have perfected the toile and i am now ready to cut and sew the final garment, i will use a pale pink zip down the centre back, i will then sew pink lining into the dress, to make sure the dress looks as neat on the inside as out. To finish the garment i will top stitch the seams with gold metallic thread.

TOILING FRINGE AND SEQUIN ALL IN ONE

2010-03-14T23:06:00.001Z

This is my first toile for the all in one, the top of the toile works, however I'm worried about the trousers, i think i may have to opt for a more legging style trouser in order to make the fringe trousers look the most effective! Over the weekend i am going to go fabric shopping, as at the minute I'm slightly unsure on the type of fabric to use.

In the end i opted for a nude colour tulle fabric, due to its stretch, it will act as a strong and tight base for the fringing and sequining. I spent ages, placing the fringing, getting the colours and lengths perfect. I am over the moon with the end result, i spent a lot of time sequining and constructing this outfit, i feel it is the best representative for my collection and this is why I've decided it will be the outfit to photograph for the brochure

UINQUE - FALL 2010

2010-03-12T12:27:00.002Z

'The presentation for Topshop's Unique collection was a sensationally feral romp through the great outdoors... There was so much wit and ingenuity in the clothes that you felt mushrooms might even have been involved in the creative process. Take the lustrous fake fur that looked better than the most ludicrously deluxe mink coat. (And if you don't take it, there will be thousands who do, come next winter.)' - www.style.com

TOILING SEQUIN DINNER JACKET

2010-03-09T18:07:00.000Z

Whilst designing, i had an idea to construct a dinner jacket style top, that would be sequined, however i have really struggled with getting the toile perfect, I've therefore decided that the jacket would not work, i just don't think the constructed jacket has lived up to my expectations in my mind,

TOILING BEARS

2010-03-04T21:57:00.000Z

As apart of my collection, i want to produce a cape/shrug influenced by vintage fox stoles. I bought a teddy bear from the British Heart Foundation in order to deconstruct to obtain pattern pieces to create my own 'bear' stole out of pink faux fur.

SEQUIN BEAR

2010-03-01T21:42:00.004Z

The sequin outcome has been great, I'm so pleased, i plan to use this bear illustration a lot! It wasn't particularly difficult to sequin, the mouth and eyes are probably the trickiest

WEBSITES

2010-02-27T22:00:00.000Z

Here is a list of other designers website that i really like, these are inspiring me in the construction of my own website

www.manoush.com - I love the music on the Manoush site, also in contrast to the Balenciaga site the detail in Manoush designs and their site is beautiful and so intricate. I love the background scenery which is almost a moodboard.

www.ashish.co.uk - I love the home page with the moving sequins, Ashish is one of my favourite designers, and the way his collections are shown through years is simple and effective, showing his history. i also really like the way in which the images roll as you move the mouse from left to right.

www.sophiegittins.com - Sophie Gittin's site is really personal, she explains her influences as well as her final collection.

www.balenciaga.com - I love how clean and simple the site is, the white and black font is really striking.

HARRIET STEWART - ILLUSTRATOR!!

2010-02-27T21:16:00.004Z

My good friend Hattie Stewart, is studying Illustration at Kingston University. She is extremely talented and has produced illustrations for Luella and Marc Jacobs, she has also been featured in magazines and illustrated for film. Her work is amazing, and i've asked her to draw some illustrations for my final collection, in which to sequin and bead! In the past we've also wanted to work together and this has inspired us to one day produced a side line business, combining both of our skills!

The brief was illustrations inspired by, sharks, bears, unicorns with a 'cute' style and her own twist! I love the illustrations and can't wait to start sequining some samples!

Hattie's blog address is www.hattiestewart.blogspot.com

NOTRE DAME

2010-02-14T20:49:00.000Z

Notre Dame is one of the most beautiful, atmospheric buildings I've ever been in. I am totally in love with Paris and the architecture, history and presence of Notre Dame just makes it magical.

PARIS, PAUL SMITH SHOP

2010-02-14T19:49:00.003Z

I LOVED the Paul Smith shop, every room was unique! The attention to detail was amazing, I've been to the Paul Smith shop in Nottingham, but i think the Parisian one rivalled it! I loved the wall of art, the picture frames all differed and the style of art was so diverse which really made it work! Although i loved the shop's interior i also loved the collections, the prints were vibrant and fresh, the construction beautifully simple and classic!

PREMIER VISION, PARIS

2010-02-14T18:57:00.002Z

Here are some images of the stand at Premier Vision, the stand attracted a lot of attention, i think due to its variety of print and embellishment and also the vast influences and diverse colour palettes. Our stand was strong and many people commented on how much they liked it. I loved working on the stand, i felt it gave me a great insight into the way in which the exhibition runs, it motivated me and also gave me confidence in my own work. I had people interested in my collection and being there to talk to them i could find out what exactly they thought worked within my work and where i could develop and improve as a print designer.

Whilst at Premier Vision i sold a piece of my work which i was extremely excited and proud of, i found out that company that brought one of my pieces was a well established Spanish label 'Desigual', they loved my whole collection and they settled on buying a piece which was my favourite,

JEAN CHARLES DE CASTELBAJAC

2010-02-05T17:23:00.000Z

Jean Charles De Castelbajac, has been an influential fashion designer for decades, i love his work, his witty and humorous designs are strong and unique, whilst always having a wearable aspect [obviously only wearable for the brave]. Jean Charles De Castelbajac has been key in influencing my graduate collection, i think he is an aspirational figure for me and my future career.

MARC BY MARC JACOBS S/S 10

2010-01-13T23:58:00.002Z

I've blogged this Marc by Marc Jacobs S/S 10 collection purely because i love the intensity of the print and the strong but contrasting colour palette.

GILES S/S 10

2010-01-13T23:49:00.004Z

I'm really loving Giles Deacons collection, the strong yet sophisticated shapes and lines, teamed with the dark yet humorous animal prints have created a really intelligent and interesting collection. I also love the use of metallic fabric and leather. Giles Deacon creates wearable yet unusual and unique collections, this is what i aspire to do.

BURBERRY PRORSUM S/S 10

2010-01-13T00:08:00.000Z

This collection for me has the most perfect colours and tones, i loved the sleek sophistication of the construction. I think the use of draping really helped encompass the sophistication.

CHRISTOPHER KANE S/S 10

2010-01-13T00:03:00.002Z

The soft beautiful palette really creates a summer feel to the collection, the floral bead work and embroidery adds texture and works perfectly in contrast to the strict checks of gingham prints.

MARIE-ANTOINETTE?

2010-01-12T02:52:00.001Z

Images from 'Marie-Antoinette' by Sofia Copella and Vogue

I've always loved history and in particular the French Revolution and France's Royal family. The Royal Family from Louis XIV and the construction of Versaille to Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette are really exciting figures, i've read a lot of biographies on Marie-Anotinette and as glamourous as her life was it was marked by sadness. Marie-Antoinette left her home at a very young age to move to France, where she was married to a man that wasn't interested in her, she led a court that oozed glamour and mischief. Her youthful and frivolous nature is addictive, i want to insight this in my final collection. I feel an atmosphere to a collection is vital it needs to evoke emotion in order to be successful.

LAVENDER/LILAC?

2010-01-12T02:48:00.001Z

I'm considering colour for my final project, i'm really loving purple at the minute and thinking that a beautiful lilac would really work within my concept.

FMP DESIGNER INFLUENCE - JOHN GALLIANO

2010-01-12T02:23:00.003Z

Fall 2008 RTW

Spring / Summer 2009

John Galliano is such an inspiring and unique designer, here are two collections from '08 and '09. I not only love Galliano's feminine yet quirky designs but also his attention to detail, every show is new and fresh, from make-up and hair to background and context everything is perfect.

LARGERFIELD FOR BALLET RUSSE

2010-01-02T16:29:00.000Z

'If Fashion designers are not creating performance art with their fashion shows then they have been collaborating with theatre, designing the costumes and sets. Costume is an integral part to fashion, it gives designers an ability to be apart of a larger production and intertwines it with the world of dance, theatre and art. Ballet Russe was one of the most influential theatre companies of the early twentieth century. Ballet Russe revolutionised collaborations, integrating contemporary choreographers, composers, artists, designers and dancers. Dali, Picaso, Matisse, Bakst and Chanel were among those who created set designs and costumes for Ballet Rusee. The influence of the Ballets Russes lasts to this day, for example June 2009 saw Karl Largerfield design for the English Ballet Russe. There was vast appreciation for Largerfelds revived and refitted costumes for Apollo and The Dying Swan. Lagerfeld follows in the footsteps of Coco Chanel herself who designed costumes for both Le Train Bleu in 1924 and Apollon Musagete in 1929 in Paris. Chanel was also a supporter of the Ballet Russes founder Serge Diaghilev, due to their personal friendship.

Lagerfeld's design for the dancer Elena Glurdjidze in The Dying Swan was constructed and comprised of 2500 ostrich and a variety of other bird feathers. During the fitting session, Elena Glurdjidze dedicated an exclusive dance from The Dying Swan to Lagerfeld, this collaboration of the two ties fashion closer and tighter with performance art and therefore art.'

This is an extract from my dissertation, here i am linking performance art to fashion. I have found through my research that fashion most certainly has a level of performance art within it and always has, Fashion has a better link to the public then Art does and this in turn does make Fashion a more commercial arena.

RIVER ISLAND COMPETITION S/S 11

2009-12-27T21:06:00.003Z

The Brief was to design a capsule collection for River Island, keeping in mind the company and their customer for spring/summer 2010. I have opted to produce a collection of a soft colour palette influenced by my travels to Thailand, i wanted the collection to have sophistication, i have designed garments with a sleek line, the 'bag waist band shorts' are my favourite i love the bag waist band and especially with a beaded finish. I feel the moodboard is the strongest board in hindsight i should have spent more time developing the technical board.

FINAL PREMIER VISION BOARDS

2009-12-24T13:25:00.005Z

INDIGO, PREMIER VISION S/S 11

2009-12-23T02:57:00.003Z

Collection 2

Collection 2 has followed on from Collection 1, I've carried on looking at symmetry, i've used a sample of painted lines that i used whilst creating my butterfly painted images. I then manipulated the samples into symmetrical patterns, horizontal and vertical. I am really pleased with the outcome of this collection, i think it invokes a 'folk' style and sense to the collection, i can really see them in kaftan style dresses and tops.

INDIGO, PREMIER VISION S/S 11

2009-12-21T13:03:00.001Z

Collection 1

For S/S 2011 I have taken inspiration from butterflies, looking in particular at the symmetry of their wings, I've gone back to the method of painting onto one page, folding and pressing to produce a series of prints. This child-like method has meant that spontaneous marks and strokes within the butterfly prints have then inspired a series of complimentary prints. The collection has taken inspiration from Alexander McQueen, Basso and Brooke and Nathan Jenden. I've really loved the process of producing these prints, and have found the inky, subtle tones of the colour palette have really been enhanced by digital printing on a sand-washed silk.

STUDIO G

2009-12-19T14:15:00.002Z

This week i went to show studio G my print collection in order to have the opportunity to take it to New York. The Studio itself is situated opposite the Fashion and Textiles Museum, its a really nice location and inside is amazing they've just had it all refurbished, the space would be amazing to work in. When showing my fronts, they were really positive, and it was great to get some professional feedback. Glenn liked my fronts and colour palette, i got the impression he didn't feel my prints were commercial enough or appropriate in context with his company's collections. The fabric and print were not as bright as they would have liked.

In general the experience was really positive and insightful, i learnt how a print studio works within the industry and got some important feedback from a professional. Glenn has worked selling print at trade fairs for years so knows what clients want.

MAHARAJA EXHIBITION, V & A

2009-12-15T12:53:00.005Z

Whilst visiting London i attended the Maharaja exhibition at the Victoria and Albert, the exhibition showcases Indian Royalty. The word maharaja, means literally ‘great king’, the exhibition really encompasses the great wealth and power of the Maharaja. It was an incredible exhibition, the magnificence and wealth of the Indian Royalty was shown through the rich colour and ornate fabrics. Although the exhibition hasn't directly influenced my work, i can definitely appreciate it and hope to aspire to produce such detailed and exquisite work.

The exhibition spans the period from the beginning of the 18th century to the mid- 20th century, bringing together over 250 magnificent objects, many being lent from India's royal collections for the first time. It examines the changing role of the Maharajas within a social and historical context and reveals how their patronage of the arts, both in India and Europe, resulted in splendid and beautiful objects symbolic of royal status, power and identity.

I find the history of India really interesting and it was a great insight to how the Indian Royalty lived and ruled, Embellishment is a strong theme within my work and especially sequining and bead work, this exhibition with its strong and rich colour palettes could really influence my final major project in a positive way.

FROM BRIEF TO BRA COMPETITION - S/S 11

2009-12-12T20:04:00.003Z

'Cabinet of Curiosities'

I have decided to enter this competition using one of my initial print from my Premier Vision project. I loved the symmetry of this print and thought it would work well in lingerie. I'm not 100% sure appropriate my designs are to the brand as they are not overtly 'frilly' i think the print should be bold and strong on a beautifully soft fabric like a silk, with a lace trimming, i personally like undergarments that are simply but strong, this is why i have proposed these designs, the idea of using inspiration from the 1950's style 'waspie' but in a modern context i think works, the lingerie is flattening and accentuates a woman's figure subtly.

GRAYSON PERRY FOR LIBERTY

2009-12-10T15:49:00.001Z

This is an example of oen of the textile prints that Grayson Perry has been commissioned by Libery to produce. I love this print, i love the colour palette but also the concept of a beautiful girly almost child-like print laced with a darker theme of military machinery. I'm using Grayson Perry as an example of an artist entering the fashion industry, within my dissertation.

'This fabric in Liberty’s and Perry’s eyes is art and is affordable at £19.95 a meter and has also has been applied within the fashion industry. Perry’s fabric designs are so versatile, as he states, it could be used to construct a garment or even framed and put on a wall, his work therefore is open ended and left to the discretion of the buyer, completely diminishing the Art and Fashion barrier. Is a canvas not just made from fabric? Fashion is now giving people a means to display and enjoy their art and also making art more accessible and portable in society. '

This is an extract from my dissertation about Grayson Perry.

MARK FAST S/S 10

2009-11-28T16:18:00.000Z

When i saw Mark Fast's collection i felt a little bit uneasy i wasn't sure if he had endorsed a healthy curvier model or whether he was just exploiting them for publicity. He certainly got publicity!! I feel this way because his collection wasn't suited to the models he had, they didn't fit properly, which makes me think maybe it was a last minute decision, if anything i think he damaged the campaign for healthier models.

On this subject as well i found it amusing that L'Official magazine when showing imagery of Mark Fast's collection did not show one image of a 'plus size' model, as though it didn't even happen!

BETSEY JOHNSON S/S 10

2009-11-21T11:38:00.001Z

'Betsey's One Night Stand'

The lineup was a bit posher than the usual. With Betsey Johnson, i love her flare for sophisticated yet fun and fresh fashion, i loved the more developed leopard print, and the colour ways throughout the collection were perfect. I'm currently thinking about including animal print in my final collection, and this has really helped me visual a colourful animal print alternative, that keeps a youthful edge.

DISSERTATION RESEARCH

2009-11-10T12:57:00.003Z

http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2003/jul/13/art.artsfeatures1

Whilst researching my dissertation, 'Where does Fashion sit in Art' i stumbled across this article on the Guardian website.

I totally disagree with Alice Rawsthorn stance on the debate.

Rawsthorn argument in my opinion seems narrow minded.

STUDIO G

2009-11-07T13:32:00.001Z

Today we had a seminar from a company called 'STUDIO G'. Studio G is a print design studio that produces work to sell at trade events such as Indigo Paris, New York, LA, Milan and Hong Kong. It is a relatively small studio set up by a man called Glenn, he then has a collection of print designers that work for him. Glenn talked to us about his company and the process they go through to produce their collections, they start with a moodboard that reflects the catwalk trends they then choose a trend as a basis for their prints. They design for the high street, so thier prints are very commercial. The seminar was really insightful, i hadn't previously considered working for a studio but the way in which the company works seems really close knit.

We have the opportunity to design a collection for the Studio, this will give us the opportunity to sell our work in New York as well as with the university at Indigo, Paris. Glenn's preference is to use photoshop, and he would like us to produce a collection on the basis of a catwalk trend. In order to be picked to sell at New York we will need to make sure our collection is cohesive to the studio G style. My current collection is heading towards digital print so hopefully my collection for the module will be appropriate to show him

DIOR

2009-11-02T16:40:00.000Z

I adore these images from Dior, Galliano has clearly taken inspiration from the 'artist' i love the brush stroke prints and the embellishment over the top to add a defined line. I feel it works beautifully, the colours are strong and romantic and the black line just adds an artistic escapism to the collection.

FRANÇOIS NARS

2009-10-21T14:26:00.003+01:00

www.15x15project.com

Marc Jacobs by François Nars

http://www.style.com/beauty/beautifullives/042409_Francois_Nars

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN S/S10

2009-10-16T22:33:00.002+01:00

McQueens AMAZING collection, has been core to the development of my print project for Indigo. i love the symmetry within the collection and also the animalistic vibes. I am looking to Butterflies, symmetry and artistic marks to create the collection and McQueens collection when comparing to butterfly wings is almost identical.

McQueens choice to show his collection through the internet on a live feed was brilliant, i love McQueens attitude to fashion he does not have an elitist view. Like Nick Knight and SHOWstudio.com, who i have researched and included for my dissertation, he believes fashion can be for the masses.

A Nick Knight and Alexander McQueen Collaboration for www.showstudio.com

BASSO & BROOKE S/S 10

2009-10-16T11:18:00.006+01:00

Neo-pop, the theme of Basso & Brooke's Spring collection, gave them a tailor-made opportunity to duplicate on fabric (and micro sequin) I love their strong interest in black and white within the collection, it was a great counterpoint to all the colour.

I loved the presence of beading that covered the body of a dress, i adore bead and sequin work, and the way that Basso & Brooke transferred their print into such beautiful beadwork really inspires me. The shapes were streamlined to maximise the effects of the prints, and the prints shone. The collection has really made me consider the direction of my prints, i love this more graphical genre of print, but i am not sure if it suits my design aesthetic.

ANNA SUI S/S 10

2009-10-15T23:03:00.007+01:00

'Blame that on Rex Harrison: Sui had been watching the 1967 version of Doctor Doolittle, and it must have really struck a chord because the tailored pieces—a flowered pantsuit on Ranya Mordanova, a voodoo-beaded denim shorts suit worn with a paillette-embroidered mesh dress—had a cool sixties-take-on-Victorian-menswear feel.'

This Sui collection had such a variety and a great sense of humour. As a designer this is the kind of collection i aspire to, humorous and multi textured. I love print, embellishment and construction, i do not want to limit myself to one avenue with my work.

BALENCIAGA S/S 10

2009-10-15T11:04:00.005+01:00

"I wanted to do something urban. No more history for the moment!" - Nicolas Ghesquière

The quality defines Ghesquière's Balenciaga as unique, i love the athletic vibe of the collection, it is modern and urban. Take the "jeans." What looks, at a distance, as if it might be gray-blue denim is actually vegetable-dyed leather. The "hoodie" is engineered from molded leather, woven jersey, and nylon foam. In the collage of elements, there were recycled fabrics and natural-looking hemp weaves, and a sidelong tribalism in the urban-warrior eye makeup and footwear. I love the striking colours and Ghesquière's ability to create intense collections, that have an air of simplicity.

2009-10-14T23:04:00.003+01:00

FINAL COLLECTION INSPIRATION?

I am totally in love with this image, i'm really feeling the new over the top animal fantasy aspects that is kicking around fashion at the minute...

MOSCHINO CHEAP & CHIC - I'M INLOVE

2009-10-14T22:37:00.004+01:00

Jardini is the ultimate escapist with this collection, frivolous, fun and fresh!

I love the use of print in Moschino's collections, they always accomplish sophisticated collections with a sense of youth and frivolity.

SHOWstudio

2009-10-12T14:37:00.001+01:00

The ShowStudio exhibition at Somerset House, 'Fashion Revolution' i found incredibly inspiring, i love the media side to fashion and my dissertation is looking at how the fashion and art industry interact with one another, so for me the exhibition was perfect. Nick Knight the director of ShowStudio, a website that aims to unite fashion and art through the medium of the internet.

‘A place to show work that wasn’t created to sell a product, but was instead created simply for the love of the art’ - Nick Knight

I really respect Knights ambition to unite industries under one bracket, also the way in which he has used the internet, when SHOWstudio started it was revolutionary and i think he has still maintained the revolution, he is constantly pushing boundaries and introducing new concepts and medias that previously were unheard of. I love Knights ability to unite designer and public in a similar way performance art unites artist to public for example the 5th Plinth at Trafalgar Square. The exhibition really highlights the importance of technology to the fashion industry.

The fashion films really inspired me. It shows films of collections by the designers, such as Gareth Pugh's dark, emotional film of his A/W 09 collection. I love the strong concept which was beautifully illustrated through the media of film, this i think would be a great way to show my final collection, via this blog.

Another really great piece in the exhibition was the 'Sound of Clothes: Synaesthesia' by Daniel Brown/Nick Ryan, 2006. The piece was a screen with a jacket that you were able to touch and interact with, where you touched a different sound was made. I thought the idea of music making a piece of clothing was really innovative and something that is only possible with the aid of technology.

SUPERMARKETS AND SURREALISM

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'Supermarkets and Surrealism' was a brief i under took whilst on my Foundation year, this project is what cemented my love for fashion and ambition to work within the industry. I loved the modules freedom, i loved the juxtaposition of the two completely contrasting topics, 'supermarkets' and 'surrealism'. Here are the final photographs of the project and a few designs from my sketchbook.

INTRODUCTION

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My name is Kitty Keay and i'm a third year student studying Fashion and Textile Design, at Colchester School of Art and Design. This blog will be an on going reference and reflection of my final year. I am currently writing my dissertation and producing a print collection for spring/summer 2011 in order to sell at Premier Vision, Paris.