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The Fashion Project 1 module offers students their initial exposure to the fashion industry by engaging in a collaborative Design Project. Through interdisciplinary learning, students will develop and communicate their ideas within the framework of this collaboration. They will design and produce a collection of three garments while working alongside experts from diverse fields, who will provide mentorship and guidance to support the project's completion.
Week 01 (Task 01 Started)
This semester began with the return of Mr. Jr, who informed us that the challenges ahead would surpass those of the previous term. After a quick overview of the Module Information Booklet (MIB), we dove straight into our first assignment. This task requires us to select a designer and one of their collections that resonate with our personal style, identity, and design aesthetics. Detailed research into the chosen designer and collection is crucial, as our selection will influence every assignment throughout the semester.
Additionally, we were tasked with creating three full sets of designs—a daunting prospect that initially felt overwhelming. However, Mr. Jr emphasized that this challenge is essential for our growth, pushing us to enhance our time management, creativity, and technical skills. While demanding, this semester presents an opportunity to refine our abilities and approach our work with renewed perspective and determination.
Week 02
Last week, Mr. Jr assigned us to choose a designer and one of their collections to research and present in this week’s class. I selected Betsey Johnson and her Spring/Summer 2008 Ready-to-Wear collection. Betsey Johnson, a renowned American designer, is celebrated for her playful, eccentric, and bold designs that often blend femininity with a quirky, rebellious edge. Her collections are filled with vibrant colors, whimsical patterns, and a sense of unapologetic joy that reflects her larger-than-life personality.
The Spring/Summer 2008 Ready-to-Wear collection, in particular, is a vibrant celebration of fun and individuality. It features an eclectic mix of tutu-inspired dresses, floral prints, ruffles, and bows, all infused with a youthful energy and theatrical flair. The designs carry an air of fantasy while maintaining wearability, showcasing Betsey Johnson's unique ability to balance creativity with functionality. I admire her work deeply because her designs radiate happiness, break conventions, and encourage individuality, which aligns with my personal design aesthetics and values.
After receiving feedback from Mr. Jr on last week’s presentation, I made several changes and added more details to my Task 1 research slides as instructed. These updates improved the overall quality and presentation of my work, making it feel more polished and comprehensive.
With the research slides finalized, I began the initial stages of idea development for my first design task. Drawing inspiration from two standout designs in Betsey Johnson's Spring/Summer 2008 Ready-to-Wear collection, I started sketching and conceptualizing my first stage of ideas. These designs reflect the playful energy and whimsical charm of the original collection while integrating my personal style and creative perspective. It’s exciting to see how these initial concepts are beginning to take shape.
I have completed the research, first-stage initial idea development, and mood board for Task 1 submission, but I’m still not entirely satisfied with my mood board and designs. Mr. Jr encouraged me to submit my work as it is for now, reassuring me that we can revisit and refine both the mood board and designs later. This approach allows me to experiment and make changes, which is incredibly helpful. I’m so grateful for Mr. Jr’s guidance and support throughout the assignment—it’s made a huge difference in my progress.
After submitting Task 1, Mr. Jr provided a short briefing on our next steps. We will now move on to the second stage of initial design development and start experimenting with fabric manipulation techniques for our designs. While working on Task 1, I began conceptualizing my fabric choices and color palette. I plan to use bold satin, net, and organza to create textures and layers that align with my theme, "Ribboned Dream." For the color palette, I’m leaning toward soft pastels, which will complement the whimsical and elegant aesthetic of my designs. This combination of materials and colors feels perfect for bringing my vision to life.
Task 01 was both challenging and rewarding, pushing me to refine my research and design skills. Drawing inspiration from Betsey Johnson’s Spring/Summer 2008 collection, I connected her bold, whimsical style with my theme, "Ribboned Dream." While I completed the research, initial ideas, and mood board, I wasn’t fully satisfied with the latter, but Mr. Jr’s feedback reminded me that refinement is part of the process.
I enjoyed exploring fabric choices like satin, organza, and net, paired with pastel colors to reflect the playful elegance of my designs. This task taught me the importance of iteration, clear direction, and balancing creativity with structure, preparing me for the next stages with confidence.
Mr. Jr selected four of my designs from the previous task, where we developed 20 initial ideas, to advance to the 2nd stage of initial design development. This selection provided me with a clear direction for fabric manipulation, which is essential to bringing my designs to life. For my fabric manipulation techniques, I chose to incorporate gold foil printing and accordion pleats, inspired by elements from my initial ideas and the foundation of my 2nd stage designs.
To begin experimenting, I purchased materials to test these techniques on my chosen fabrics. Unfortunately, I realized that I had mistakenly bought gold paper instead of gold foil. As shown in the video documentation, the experiment failed due to this error. While it was disappointing, this setback taught me the importance of double-checking materials before starting. I quickly corrected the mistake by ordering the proper gold foil online, ensuring that I can proceed with accurate and effective experimentation once it arrives. This experience highlighted the trial-and-error nature of the design process, reinforcing the need for adaptability and persistence.
This week, I continued working on my 2nd stage design sketches during class. Since I had already drafted some ideas, the process went smoothly and efficiently. Once I completed the main design sketches, I focused on adding details such as hairstyles, footwear, and accessories, as Mr. Jr emphasized the importance of full styling to create a cohesive and complete look. These additional elements helped bring my designs to life and added a sense of personality to each piece.
When I presented my work to Mr. Jr, he provided constructive feedback and suggested adjustments to refine the designs further. He also asked for my input, creating a collaborative dialogue that greatly enhanced my understanding of the design process. Communicating with lecturers is an essential part of assignments, as their experience and insights often highlight details and ideas we might overlook. This feedback not only improved my designs but also gave them a more polished and professional look.
After completing the 2nd stage designs in class, I used the remaining time to begin experimenting with fabric manipulation techniques. This hands-on process allowed me to test my concepts and align them with the vision of my finalized designs, making steady progress toward the next phase of the project.
We were originally supposed to submit our fabric manipulation this week and begin the final task for the semester, but many of us, including myself, were not yet finished. As a result, Mr. Jr kindly granted us an extension for the fabric manipulation. However, he also emphasized the importance of starting on our technical drawings this week, as delaying this step would leave us with insufficient time to complete pattern making and garment sewing later on.
I’ve already purchased all the materials and fabrics I’ll need for my final garments, as Mr. Jr has selected three designs from my 2nd stage initial sketches to move forward with. Regarding my fabric manipulation, I’m pleased to report that I finally succeeded in applying the gold foil onto satin, which was a key technique I wanted to explore. I also experimented with a variety of different fabrics and types of netting—some combinations worked beautifully, while others didn’t turn out as expected. Mr. Jr was really pleased with the results of my manipulation experiments and encouraged me to continue refining my techniques. This feedback boosted my confidence and motivated me to keep experimenting as I move toward the next stages of the project.
As we entered Week 08, which is designated as the independent learning week, I had already planned to complete my fabric manipulation and technical drawings. I felt confident that I would be able to finish everything on schedule. However, as the saying goes, "unexpected events come faster than plans." On the first day of the week, 11/11/2024, I unexpectedly became seriously ill and required surgery, which led to my hospitalization.
After the surgery, I found myself unable to move fluently and had to stay in bed for recovery, which meant I couldn’t do any work. Naturally, I was incredibly worried about falling behind and the impact it would have on my assignments. I reached out to Mr. Jr to explain my situation, and he was very understanding. He advised me to prioritize my recovery and not stress about my work, reassuring me that I could catch up once I was feeling better. Despite my concerns, I took his advice to rest and focus on healing, trusting that I could manage my workload once I returned to my studies.
I have already been discharged from the hospital, but my movement is still restricted. I can only move slowly and cannot stand for long periods of time. This week, I stayed at home and took medical leave, but I informed Mr. Jr that I would be able to return to campus next week, even though the doctor's medical certificate (MC) stated I needed 45 days of rest. Mr. Jr was understandably concerned about my health and advised me to rest more, but I assured him that I would be ready to return next week. After confirming this with me several times, he agreed, reminding me to be extra cautious when I returned to school.
Although I can't stand for long, I found that doing paperwork was manageable. So, I focused on completing my technical drawings at home. Once finished, I sent them to Mr. Jr for review and feedback. This allowed me to stay on track with my work despite my physical limitations.
The first thing I focused on when I returned to campus was finishing my fabric manipulation. Since I had already made some progress before my illness, I was able to complete it quickly and present it to Mr. Jr with a sense of satisfaction. However, I realized that I had fallen behind compared to my classmates, as they had already started working on their patterns and garments. Despite this, I reminded myself not to stress and reassured myself that I could catch up.
After completing Task 01 and Task 02, Mr. Jr instructed us to compile our final portfolio for the final presentation. To ensure I approached this correctly, I sought advice from Ms. Melina, my garment draping lecturer, on how to do and what details to include. With her guidance, I immediately began working on the pattern for my first garment. This gave me a clear direction, and I felt more confident about moving forward despite the setbacks I faced earlier.
Reflection for Task 02:
The fabric manipulation task was a valuable learning experience, allowing me to explore different techniques and experiment with materials. Initially, I faced challenges, especially with my gold foil printing, but after some trial and error, I was able to achieve successful results. This task helped me understand the importance of patience and perseverance in the design process. Despite a few setbacks, I gained confidence in my ability to manipulate fabrics creatively, and the positive feedback from Mr. Jr encouraged me to continue refining my techniques. Overall, this task has enhanced my skills and set a solid foundation for the next stages of my project.
Week 11
Starting this week, I began working on the patterns for my three garments with the guidance of Mr. Jr and Ms. Melina. Since pattern making is one of my weaknesses, their advice and support were incredibly valuable in helping me navigate the process. With their expertise, I was able to approach each pattern step-by-step, gaining more confidence as I progressed. Their insights not only helped me understand the technical aspects but also encouraged me to think creatively within the constraints of pattern design.
In addition to working on the patterns, I focused on compiling my final portfolio. Mr. Jr assisted me with refining my mood board, ensuring it captured the essence of my designs. I also spent time designing the slides for the portfolio, organizing all the required information clearly and professionally. I’m pleased that I was able to complete everything and hand it in by the end of the week, marking a significant milestone in my project. Their ongoing support has been crucial in keeping me on track and ensuring the quality of my work.
This week, I continued working on my patterns, making adjustments and refining them to ensure they were accurate and suited to the design concepts. After finalizing the patterns, I moved on to cutting the fabric. I carefully selected the materials based on my previous fabric manipulation experiments, making sure each piece of fabric was cut with precision to align with my design vision. Although it took time to ensure everything was perfect, I felt more confident as I progressed, especially with the support and guidance from Mr. Jr and Ms. Melina. Their feedback was essential in helping me overcome challenges and stay on track, ensuring that my patterns and fabric choices would translate well into the final garments.
After cutting out all the fabric for my garments, I began the fabric manipulation process, starting with the sewing. I carefully followed my design plan, using techniques such as gold foil printing, pleating, and fabric draping to manipulate the fabric and bring my vision to life. The sewing process was both challenging and exciting, as I had to ensure that each fabric manipulation was executed with precision to achieve the desired effects. I experimented with different stitch types and adjustments to create texture and movement in the fabric. This stage required a lot of patience, but it was rewarding to see the fabric transform and begin to take shape. The experience also helped me better understand how different materials interact and how to manipulate them creatively to enhance the design.
Week 14
Entering Week 14, I was fully aware that I needed to accelerate my progress to complete all my garments, as this was the final week before submission. With the deadline fast approaching, I dedicated myself to sewing with unwavering focus, determined to bring my designs to life with the quality and precision I had envisioned. Each step, from assembling the pieces to perfecting fabric manipulations, required meticulous attention to detail. Despite the intense time pressure, I refused to compromise on craftsmanship, ensuring that every stitch and seam was neatly executed.
The urgency of the week added significant stress, but it also pushed me to work efficiently and manage my time better. While I was able to complete the main structure of my garments, I was disappointed that I couldn’t finish the bows as planned. This setback was disheartening, but I took solace in the fact that I had made substantial progress and had garments ready for presentation. The experience taught me the importance of resilience, adaptability, and maintaining a balance between speed and quality in fashion design.
Final Presentation Week
Although I couldn’t finish the bows on my garment in time, I was relieved that I still had a complete structure to present to my lecturers. During the presentation, I explained the situation and emphasized the effort I had put into the main elements of the design. Fortunately, my lecturers were understanding and empathetic, acknowledging the challenges I faced and offering me additional time to finalize the garment. This gesture not only eased my stress but also motivated me to perfect the remaining details and deliver a finished piece that truly reflected my vision and hard work.
My Designs
Final Task Reflection
The final task was a challenging but rewarding experience that allowed me to apply and refine the skills I developed throughout the semester. Despite facing setbacks earlier, I was able to complete my garments with the support of Mr. Jr and Ms. Melina. Fabric manipulation, in particular, was a valuable learning opportunity, as it pushed me to experiment with different techniques like gold foil printing and pleating. Although there were challenges along the way, I learned the importance of persistence and adaptability. Overall, the task helped me improve my technical skills and taught me valuable lessons in time management and resilience.
Overall Reflection
Overall, this semester has been a journey of growth, challenges, and valuable learning experiences. From the initial stages of fabric manipulation to the final garment construction, I encountered numerous obstacles, especially in areas like pattern making and time management. However, with the guidance and support from Mr. Jr and Ms. Melina, I was able to overcome these difficulties and develop my skills significantly. The process taught me the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and attention to detail. Although I faced setbacks and moments of stress, I am proud of the progress I made. This experience has not only improved my technical abilities but also strengthened my confidence as a designer. It has been a rewarding and transformative journey, and I feel better prepared for future challenges in the fashion industry.
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