Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Your Career Will Never Wake Up And Tell You That it Doesn't Love You

Oh Lady Gaga, you always give me reasons to love you.

Well, it's been a long four months of summer, that have suddenly seemed to disappear in a time warp. And now it's back to school for my second year of fashion!


I couldn't be more excited, but more frazzled. Despite having done a bit of blogging, and a lot of shopping, I haven't done much in the way of keeping in touch with the fashion world!


This is going to be a big year. I won't be graduating with my class, as I've decided to do a 3 year diploma, favoring work and grades over getting it done with. I will, however, be designing my own collection for Spring/Summer (more to come on that regard!), and will be taking on a hopefully important role in the year end fashion show.


So what's in store for me this semester? Well, let me tell you!


I'm extremely excited about my courses this semester. I'll be taking my second Pattern Drafting class - one worde: draping. Finally! Garment Construction, where I'm assuming we will be contstructing garments that were drafted in the previously mentioned class. Computer Pattern drafting, and last but most certainly not least - Surface Design.


I must say I'm most excited about Surface Design. I would love to make that one of my specialties!


I've also decided I'd like to take some courses in PhotoShop. For some reason it's not offered as part of my curriculum. Guess I'll need to upgrade my computer in the near future!


Now it's just a matter of getting re-inspired. I'm not entirely ready, but as with everything else in life, I don't mind jumping in head first.



"Walk, Walk Fashion Baby. Work it, Move that Bitch Crazy. Walk Walk, Passion Baby. Work it, I'm a Free Bitch, Baby."



Posted by 1 comment:
Labels: , ,

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Label Whores.


Whatever happened to the old adage "Money can't buy you happiness?"
Suppose it can't, but it can buy you that BMW, that Louis Vuitton bag, and that Chanel jacket. It could also put a pool in your backyard and a maid in your kitchen that you can pay minimum wage because she came from Mexico.

Okay, I suppose I sound bitter. But I can't seem to wrap my head around the label obsession of the average consumer. Something about carrying a Louis Vuitton bag screams "Status" that it makes people feel wealthy, and important. Even if they nearly maxed out their credit card to afford it. What is it about designer labels that cause people to become so... impractical?

I have never cared about brands. I'm willing to pay decent enough money for a good quality garment, but you'd never catch me spending hundreds of dollars on jeans, a bag, or even shoes. Maybe jewellery but even now I'm happy with my $40 rings and cheap, cute accessories. I am more satisfied when I discover a thrift store gem. I think it's kind of funny that I'm going to school for Fashion Design when I don't really care a whole lot about what's going on in the world of fashion. The most I've ever actually attempted to follow the industry has been in this past year. I haven't always hated it, I quite admire the work of designers like Betsey Johnson, Marchesa, Vivienne Westwood, and Alexander McQueen. But I just as much admire the work of many of the sellers on Etsy.

I just don't really understand the nature of the fashion industry. There are people who actually DECIDE what the colour trends are going to be. Self-proclaimed fashionistas feed into this, eating up the latest September issue of Vogue and proudly sporting their latest [insert luxury designer brand here] shoes/bag/outfit/whatever, and before you know it the season is over and it's onto the next trend. Sure, some privileged people can afford these "luxury" items - I'm not sure what is so luxurious about them, since I've never actually held them in my hands - but why are they really buying it?

I suppose there are a variety of factors that come into a customer's buying habits. I don't understand why a Brand name would be one of them. There are some things I do think should be considered:
  • Fit - Is it flattering on your body?
  • Comfort - Can you walk in those shoes?
  • Quality - Will it last longer than a year? Or more?
  • Fabric - Is the quality of the fabric good? How does it feel on your skin?
  • Emotion - How do you feel when you wear this? Does it make a statement that you want to make? Does it make you feel confident? Happy?
  • Ethics - Was it hand made? Domestically made? Or was it outsourced? Was it produced ethically?
Really, the only time price would even be of importance is if it was a good quality item for an extremely good price point.

Fashion is one thing, style is another. I think style is how you use clothing to express yourself, to make a statement of your personality. Style is also about how you put your outfit together in an appealing way - kind of like using the elements and principles of design. But at the same time, it's about wearing what you feel like. Fashion on the otherhand, is this omniscient presence, a commercial clusterfuck that controls the minds of consumers.

I have seen many people who just wear whatever they want. As long as it's put together well, I can appreciate it. Even if it's not, if they bring an aura of confidence to what they're wearing, then I can appreciate that too.

I guess I just don't get the big deal. I don't know why some people care. Perhaps this is why I will never make millions off my designs. I don't need to, I just want to be able to live comfortably, doing what I love.
It just leads me to a song I previously posted recently:
"Is there anybody thinking what I am? Is there any other alternative?"

Posted by 6 comments:

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

U.P, U.P, and away!

I just stumbled upon this interesting video about something called The Uniform Project, where one girl wears one dress for one year, to raise money so children in India could go to school, and also to raise awareness for sustainable fashion. The result is an awesome and amazingly executed charity that has raised over $100,000.

This project also defines the differences between fashion and style. With a little bit of creative genius, this girl was able to wear the same dress every day for 365 days, and each day she looks awesome.
I could go on about how amazing it is, but see for yourself! Pure class.

Uniform Project Picture Book from The Uniform Project on Vimeo.

Posted by 1 comment:

Up the Cuts!

I can’t sleep.
Dry red eyes wide open.
Stare at the white stucco ceiling.
I turn on the TV,
watch music on television.
Have I heard this song before?
Did this already happen?
Derived influence in style of dress.
Similar trends in camera technique and editing.
Sync up the cuts to the bass drum kick.
All the taste makers drinking from the same glass.
Is there anyone thinking what I am?
Is there anyone thinking what I am?

Are you restless like me?

All the insiders rumor over the decline in sales.
All the buzz is happening in the new digital market place.
FBI warning printed on the flipside.
Under penalty of law piracy will be prosecuted.
In MRR someone asks the question,
“With the instant availability of information
and content so easily obtainable
is the culture now a product that’s disposable?”
All the punks still singing the same song.
Is there anyone thinking what I am?
Is there any other alternative?

Are you restless like me?


Posted by 1 comment:
Labels:

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Get your "Eh"ducation!

When I first decided I wanted to go to school for fashion design, I was hardpressed to find a school I wanted to go to. Canada isn't really the fashion capital of the world, although we are full of up-and-comers.
If you are like me, an aspiring fashion designer from Canada, allow me to provide you an easy list of both public and private post secondary schools, taken from the Toronto Fashion Incubator. Turns out, It doesn't matter if you live to the west or the east, there are plenty of options, if you have the balls to just go for it!

Academie de Dessin de Mode Richard Robinson Academy of Fashion Design

447 Sussex Dr.
Ottawa, ON, K1N 6Z4
T 613-241-5233 | F 613-241-7676
info@richardrobinson.com

Fashion Design Diploma (Full Time)- 2 Years
Couturier Diploma - 3 Years

Academy of Design (Formerly International Academy of Design)

1835 Yonge St.
Toronto, ON, M5S 1X8
T 866-838-6542 | T 416-929-0121

Fashion Design Program -18 months
Fashion Marketing and Merchandising Program - length not stated

Academy of Fashion Design

218B Avenue B South,
Saskatoon, SK, S7M 1M4
T 306-978-9088 | F 306-933-9362

Fashion Design Certificate - 1 Year
Fashion Design Diploma - 1 Year (Completion of Certificate required)

Blanche MacDonald Centre
460 Robson St.
Vancouver, BC, V6B 2B5
T 604-685-0337 | F 604-685-0317
info@blanchemacdonald.com

Fashion Design Diploma - 1 year, 4 semesters
Fashion Merchandising Diploma - 1 year, 4 semesters

Campus Notre-Dame-de-Foy

5000 rue Clement-Lockquell
Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, QC, G3A 1B3
T 418-872-8041 | F 418-872-3448

I don't speak French, but had the page translated, so hopefully this information is accurate.
Fashion Design Program - 3 years

Cégep Marie-Victorin
7000, rue Marie-Victorin,
Montreal, QC, H1G 2J6
T 514-325-0150 | F 514-328-3830

Another French site...
Fashion Design Program -3 years
Fashion Marketing - 3 years
Production Control - 1 year

Coco Fashion Design Centre
226-65 Carl Hall Rd.,
Toronto, ON, M3K 2E1
T 416-739-0875 | F 416-739-0063

Patternmaking and Garment Construction Certificate
Advanced Patternmaking and Garment Construction Diploma

Dalhousie University
1685 Argyle Street,
Halifax, NS, B3J 2B5
T 902-494-2211

Honours Bachelor of Arts - Costume Studies - 4 years
Costume Studies Diploma - 2 years

Ecole de Joaillerie de Montréal
900 - 416 Maisonneuve ,
Montreal, QC, H3A 1L2
T 514-281-9922 | F 514-281-9933

Sorry, no info on this one, I couldn't translate the page :(

Ecole superieure de mode de Montreal (ESMM)

C.P. 8888 Succ. Centre ville,
Montreal, QC, H3C 3P8
T 514-933-6633 | T 514-933-1807
mode@uqam.ca

Fashion Design & Styling - 3 years
Fashion Marketing - 3 years
Industrial Management - 3 years

Fanshawe College
1001 Fanshawe College Blvd., PO Box 7005,
London, ON, N5Y 5R6
T 519-452-4430 | F 519-452-4420

Fashion Design Diploma- 3 year co-operative
Fashion Merchandising Diploma- 2 year co-operative

George Brown College
Casa Loma Campus - 160 Kendal Avenue,
Toronto, ON, M5R 1M3
T 416-415-5000, ext. 4840

Fashion Techniques & Design Diploma - 2 years
Fashion Management Diploma - 2 years
Fashion Business Industry Diploma - 2 years
International Fashion Development and Management Certificate - 1 year (Postgraduate)
Jewellery Essentials Certificate - 1 year
Jewellery Methods Diploma - 2 year
Jewellery Arts Diploma - 3 year

HPACAD - Acadamy of Applied Arts and Design
885 Don Mills Rd. Suite 404,
Toronto, ON, M3C 1V9
T 416-652-1881 | F 416-652-3531
inquiries@hpacad.com

Adobe Illustrator for Fashion Design
Modern Fashion Drawing
Photoshop for Fashion Design

Humber College
205 Humber College Boulevard,
Toronto, ON, M9W 5L7
T 416-675-5000 | F 416-675-2427
enquiry@humber.ca

Bachelor of Applied Business - Fashion Management - 4 years
Fashion Arts Diploma - 2 years

John Casablancas Institute of Applied Arts
220 Cambie Street, Suite 150,
Vancouver, BC, V6B 2M9
T 604-688-0328 | F 604-688-9365
info@johncasablancas.ca

Fashion - 43 weeks

Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Surrey Campus Admission Office- 12666 - 72nd Avenue,
Surrey, BC, V3W 2M8
T 604-599-2000 | T 604-599-2100 | F 604-599-2086
admissions@kwantlen.ca

Fashion Design & Technology Diploma- 2 years
Fashion Marketing Diploma - 2 years
Bachelor of Design - Fashion & Technology - 4 years

(This is where I plan on going after my diploma! I can't wait!)

LaSalle College
2000 Sainte-Catherine Street West,
Montreal, QC, H3H 2T2
T 514-939-2006

Fashion Design Diploma
Fashion Marketing Diploma
Apparel Production Management Diploma
Fashion Design Certificate
Buyer Certificate
Fashion Marketing (Online)
Fashion Marketing
Event Planning
Fashion Illustration CAO
Computer Assisted Patternmaker CAO/FAO
Fashion Patternmaker Certificate
Media Communication and Publicity Certificate

(Wow. I went to school with a girl who's going here this fall!)

Lethbridge College
3000 College Drive South,
Lethbridge, AB, T1K 1L6
T 403-320-3200 | F 403-320-1461

Fashion Design and Marketing Certificate- 1 year
Fashion Design and Marketing Diploma- 2 years

(I am currently entering my second year of my diploma, but I'm doing mine in 3 years. And I can transfer to Kwantlen when I'm done!)

New Brunswick College of Craft And Design
457 Queen St. ,
Fredericton, NB, E3B 5H1
T 506-453-2305 | F 506-457-7352
nbccd.email@gnb.ca

Fine Craft and Applied Design Diploma (Regular or Advanced) - 3 years
Bachelor of Applied Arts (BAA, major in ceramics, fashion design, jewellery and metal arts, photography, or textiles)- 4 years

Okanagan Fashion Institute
414 Cedar Avenue,
Kelowna, BC,
T 250-712-1136

Fashion Design Program - 36 weeks

Olds College
4500 - 50th St.,
Olds, AB, T4H 1R6
T 403-556-8342 | F 403-556-4724
ablackburn@admin.oldscollege.ab.ca

Fashion Marketing Certificate- 1 year
Apparel Technology Diploma (2 majors - Fashion Apparel and Costume Cutting & Construction - 2 years

Ryerson University
350 Victoria Street,
Toronto, ON, M5B 2K3
T 416-979-5333
fshningo@ryerson.ca

Bachelor of Design, Fashion Communication - 4 years
Bachelor of Design, Fashion Design - 4 years
Master of Arts, Fashion - 2 years, Graduate Studies

Seneca College of Applied Arts & Technology
Newnham Campus - 1750 Finch Avenue East,
Toronto, ON, M2J 2X5
T 416-491-5050

Fashion Arts Diploma - 3 years
Fashion Business Management Diploma - 3 years
Fashion Business Diploma - 2 years
Fashion Studies Certificate - 1 year

The Art Institute of Vancouver
2665 Renfrew Street,
Vancouver, BC, V5M 0A7
T 1-888-718-9073 | F 604-684-8839
vancouverinfo@wherecreativitygoestoschool.com

Fashion Design & Merchandising Diploma
Fashion Design & Merchandising & Foundation for Design Diploma - 2 years
Fashion Marketing & Management Diploma

University of the Fraser Valley
33844 King Road,
Abbotsford, BC, V2S 7M9
T 604-504-7441

Fashion Design Diploma - 2 years
Posted by No comments:
Labels: ,

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Inspire me.

I am kinda into Polyvore... and how it allowed me to make an inspiration board for my collection without having to cut up magazines!
Down In MexiCaliFashion Trends & Styles - Polyvore

Down In MexiCali by MoppyHead featuring Frye boots

tropical top
$36 - usa.frenchconnection.com
More clothing »

Mexican Bridal Shower Theme
wedding-flowers-and-reception-ideas.com

Classic Red Bandana
campbound.com

Posted by 1 comment:

Monday, July 5, 2010

Oh My Marchesa! Part Deux

I'm starting to find myself a bit of a fan of Marchesa. The way the fabrics are manipulated and all the details are stunning. I just want to hold it in my hands and try to figure out how they made them. I stumpled upon this blog post that privvied me to the Fall 2010 collection, and I felt like I was taken away to this fashion dreamland.
So allow me to pass it along, and bring some beauty to an ugly world.

Imagine being able to fly with fairies. That's what this dress makes me think of. Stunning.
OMG. WTF. HOW DID THEY DO THAT? I WANNA TOUCH IT. ARE THOSE FREAKIN UNICORNS!?
Ahh, it's just so film noire. Elegant. Timeless.
It's almost like a Marchesa tribute to YSL. The shooting stars are what won my heart, and the details on the cuff are lovely. I love the way it's styled with the boots and tights!
I love Marchesa's tendency to make their dresses look like they are floating in water or frozen in time. The details in the chest are mind boggling. Love the stars!

Posted by 2 comments:
Labels: , ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)