28/03/2013

PAPERTRACE

Started getting the bags in a 3 dimensional shape. This has be done including pockets and zips to get the right idea of how it may look. The shape will change as I do more prototypes as I work out what works together and doesn't. I have my idea of what I want the bag to look like but only once doing this will I truly be able to see if it would work.

22/03/2013

LAUREN BOWKER

I have a found my inspirational icon...and her name is Lauren Bowker.

This afternoon I had the most inspirational tutorial with Lauren Bowker, an ex TD4Fer who graduated 4 years ago. I walked back to my desk after chatting to her for an hour and felt so excited and pumped for the degree show that I felt like I wanted to air punch.
She inspired me to push myself harder and see that 2 months is actually quite a long time to really get stuck in and produce something great.

I began by quickly explaining my concept and she said 'sounds great and F*** the external examiner!'
This is just what I needed to hear to give me a boost.
Although that was a long time ago I think I still lacked a bit of confidence showing how much I like this concept incase I offended people. But Lauren gave me the hard shake that I needed to realise does it matter if what im looking at isn't flowers and bubbles but I produce some great work that achieves what I set out to do.
From the beginning I said I wanted to provoke an emotion and if anything I definitely did that!!

She gave me some great designers and artists to look at. Encouraged me about my idea for a drawn lookbook, Im excited for this because I think if I really spend the time on these they could look pretty cool. My concept will flow through my prints and illustrations.

I went on to chat about my design for the bags that I want to produce. She understood what I am hoping to acheive but said that the strap along the arm has been done. The bag I will produce will be completely new but the idea is not. I should think about how the concept could travel through the product design. I ghave been looking at falling bodies in my print design. Why not look at how they held there bodies and could htis be something to develop in my design? I loved this idea!!
It all started after all with people holding there bags without straps and impractically. Why not make it impratical but completely new.

Im heading home for easter today and have been flicking through the telegraph magazine and started looking at how people hold 'things.'...It made me think, what about looking at bodies once they have achieved rigamortis...what does the hand do? Although this is a slightly gross thing to look at it could be quite beautiful.

06/03/2013

QUICK CHAT WITH ROBIN KERR

I need to get working in full size. Prototypes are good but you don't get the true feeling of the bag and how it can work.

How will it be put together.
Seams - Will the leather be put side by side and secured or be a french seam, this is something I need to investigate. This needs to be done by going and looking at already made bags, feeling them and finding out how each of them have be produced. An afternoon at Selfridges and Harvey Nic's is in need!

Start looking at suppliers for hardware, zips, buckles, lining etc...

Most importantly he said it would be a great skill to have if I was actually able to make the bags. In terms of employment afterwards the likelyhood is higher because there are only 3 universities with leather making courses so a smaller number of people to complete against once I graduate.

4.3.13 TUTORIAL WITH RIANNA

Ran into uni to speak to Rianna and whirled 100 questions at her.
I need to think about durability of the stitches, leather, zip and lining. The bag needs to be able to with stand having phones, wallets etc thrown into it. Usually stainless steel zips are the most durable.

She recommended that I start planning the bag more thoroughly. Start with a small prototype made out of tracing paper. This was a little fiddlie but helped to see the bag in 3D and how each compartment would work and fit together.

She advised me to put together a book of street style to show that I am looking the men and women of my target market, looking at how they dress and what accessories are popular. By doing this it reconfirmed that the style of bag I want to design to allow men and women to carry there bags fashionably but it remains functional.



Sophie Hulme I feel is the most similar to the work that I would like to produce. The bags are structured, allow plenty of room for storage, simple but elegant. They remind me of a reinvented tote bag for women who like luxurious leathers and gold hardware.









04/03/2013

CLARE VIVIER - SPOT ON!

Clare Viver has got it spot on. She has mastered the clutch bag!
Simple colours but amazing attention to detail, using two colours on the zip is something that I have never seen before and I think is a fantastic way to give something seen everyday a bit more life and colour. I am going to research into this option.
I had initially thought a concealed zip would work well however they are not as durable as a stainless steel zip. I also need to start researching a durable lining that will last having a phone, purse and glasses case thrown into it.

Below is an image that I found on Etsy. Bags are getting larger but having enough safe room is important.