Mind Maps

I did mindmaps exploring the different ways of creating support and structure through different techniques. I looked at a “construction for fashion design” book and did a mindmap in which I listed different techniques and what they mean, such as using boning. I want to refer back to this mindmap when doing structure samples to see the different techniques I can experiment with.

 

I also created a mindmap exploring the technique of draping on a mannequin to create structure. I wanted to explore this technique as I think it would be a simple technique that will create organic flowing shapes that link back to the circus.

Body Contouring + Draping

Body contouring is Tim Williams’s method from the 1990s, he came up with the method of drawing the seams and edges on a mannequin, which then enables you to get a quick and accurate pattern. I used ribbon and pinned it onto the mannequin to map out the body, focusing around the bust and the waist line. I enjoyed doing this it was very effective in helping me when positioning my drapes, I can also see how a corset would be created using the same technique but using boning instead of ribbon. Looking at the body contouring exposed I really like the lines which almost reflect the structure of a circus tent, this gave me the idea of leaving part of the contouring on display.

For the draping tests I used three different materials to see how they would differ when it came to creating the drapes. From doing this test I learnt that thinner fabrics naturally fall better, whereas thicker fabrics work best if you force the drapes by pleating it yourself. I like how the thick red fabric draped because it reminded me of the large heavy curtain that the circus performers come from behind. I think that draping is a good way of creating volume rather than structure.

Paper Manipulation

Card

I looked at creating a structural garment using card and paper as I wanted to see how I could manipulate the material into different techniques to create structure. I looked at creating a bulbous shape, like a sphere, inspired by the metal ball in which the motorbikes ride around in at the circus. I cut up stripes of card and bended then pinned them to the mannequin to create a spherical shape. I then used triangles to build up shape and volume looking at how the triangle shapes are repeated in the circus, such as in the pattern on the tents. I really like how the rounded shape works on the mannequin, I can see how I could translate this into a skirt design. I like how the triangles add an extra geometric dimension, however I don’t think they work with the bulbous shapes because they have sharp lines.

Wallpaper

I wanted to experiment with wall paper as it’s the highbred between paper and card. I cut triangle shapes and used the pleating technique to bring texture and shape to them. I was trying to apply fabric techniques to the wall paper; however that came with some issues because the paper didn’t bend as fabric would. My favourite technique was creating the swirls by wrapping the paper around itself, it created a shape that showed movement and rhythm, I also believe I could achieve this shape if I was to use a thick fabric. It was useful to see how the natural stiffness of wallpaper could be used to create structure; however I won’t be repeating these techniques because it doesn’t relate back to the circus.