Inspiration

After researching different themes and styles of fashion prints both on my blog and in my sketch book, I have decided on a theme and starting point for my print designs. I have seen how successful prints can originate from any random theme; therefore it has been hard for me to have a preference. However, I have gone with the inspiration of 'under the sea' for several reasons.

Firstly, I reflected on my design philosophy which is driven from the forms and colours found in nature. Secondly, I have taken influence from my surroundings, as I have always loved living by the sea here in Bournemouth, with all the coastal scenery and wildlife on offer.

This also made me think of the time I went scuba diving on holiday in Egypt, where I witnessed an amazing variety and explosion of colour in the sea life and coral reefs. I find it so fascinating that there is such a rich variety of life and colour under the blanket of dark waters that make up our oceans and seas. The fact that it is almost a hidden world that we rarely get to see or appreciate makes me feel that under water life is very precious, and a fitting choice to show my appreciation through my print designs.

Lauren Moshi

I have been trying to think of an exciting and original theme/concept for the starting point of my print designs, but yet to no success. Then I came across print and fashion label, Lauren Moshi which is a big hit with Hollywood celebrities at the moment. This label uses a wide range of inspiration for their print designs, but almost always sticks to the use of placement prints as their signature style.

These placement prints really create a statement but rely heavily on the detail and quality of the one image. I like the idea of experimenting with both repeat and placement prints in my own work. However I think I should stick to one theme, as too many could be confusing and jepordise creating strong, cohesive print collection.



Laura-Maria Arola

I have been researching fashion print designers, as they don't seem to make such a big name for themselves in the media, unlike clothing designers. I want to see what it takes to create a successful fashion print, in order to get inspiration for my own print designs.

I came across print designer Laura-Maria Arola, whose work is very likeable. Her prints are all quite abstract but all focus on the use and variety of colour, scale and a visual texture appeal. I am also really impressed with her use of cute and quirky illustrations, which help visualise how her prints can be worn on a garment. I will definitely consider this technique in my print design process, as it is a very effective way of seeing the overall look and wearability of a print design.

Neurotica

Neurotica is a fashion label I first saw on Dragon's Den several years back, and was struck by their use of print design. The use of illustrations in Neuroica's fabric prints is very appealing, highlighting fine, subtle detailing creating prints that aren't too overpowering.

Even though I am very driven by strong use of colour, I am also aware how prints can easily become too overpowering to wear. Neurotica's use of print is extremely wearable, however I prefer prints that make more of a statement and so I realise there is a fine line of how prints can translate to wearable garments.

Olivia Rubin

Olivia Rubin is an up and coming fashion and print designer who has really caught my eye recently. Her signature style is printed dresses in bold colours, with fabulously quirky, eye-popping prints. This fresh and playful approach to print design is very appealing to me, as it works outside the box of cliched floral prints which have become too overused and dated. I am very interested in creating prints that have a similar visual appeal, together with a brand that is wearable yet fashion forward.

Work Experience @ Mudpie

For the past two weeks I have been away from uni on work experience at Mudpie. In order to define my career path within the fashion industry, I wanted to gain experience and knowledge of the trend forecasting industry and see what it has to offer.
I really didn't know what to expect from my time at Mudpie but I have been very pleasantly surprised by the whole experience. During my time there, I worked alongside the MPDclick team which is in control of the subscription based trend forecasting website. I felt I was given a lot of responsibility, as I was set to work straight away uploading New York Fashion Week catwalk reports, editing street style reports and researching for numerous trend articles. I really got to see the workings of a trend forecasting website and all the different areas they cover, such as street style, trade fairs, runway, retail and trend predictions.
Whilst I was there I was given the task of researching and writing a trend report to be published on their website. I was really excited to get this opportunity but also felt a bit under pressure, as it really put my writing skills to the test!
I really enjoyed my time at Mudpie as everyone was very welcoming and made me feel like part of their team. I have realised that fashion journalism is a major skill needed within trend forecasting, as MPDclick is basically an online trend magazine reporting on all trend issues. On reflection, although I do enjoy writing, I feel that this may not be my ideal career path. I have realised I prefer to work in contact with clothing, in a more creative, hands on approach, which is why I am going to continue to explore print design for this project. Overall, his has been an extremely positive experience and I am very proud that my article was published on their website. Here it is.....

Paperchase & Print Design

For my Major Project, I have decided to focus on print design and fashion related products, a decision which has been heavily influenced by the fact that I have worked as a Sales Assistant for Paperchase for the last three years. Paperchase's use of vibrant and unique prints elevates their stationary products to a higher aesthetic level. Normally I would not get excited by stationary, but I feel the use of print on their products is very engaging and enables the consumer to represent their personality and tastes in a distinctive way.

I believe print can often take fashion products to a higher aesthetic dimension, which I intend to achieve throughout this project by exploring the creative process of fashion fabric prints such as colour combinations, scale and repetition.

This variety of Paperchase products shows how print can easily translate through a range of products.