Colour Palette...

I have found three particular images which are really beginning to inform my decision regarding the colour palette for my womenswear collection. I want to incorporate colours which represent the old life of  my muse: neutrals, browns and rust colours which embody age and the past. However, I also want to incorporate colours such as rich reds, peaches and apricots which behold the bright promise of the future which lies before my muse.

All three of the images I am currently exploring feature butterflies. I think this is very appropriate considering my concept is centred on transformation and metamorphosis of the woman as she moves from the old into the new. The butterfly is a perfect metaphor for this transformation as it also undergoes a process of metamorphosis as it changes from a caterpillar into a butterfly.

I am particularly drawn to the image above. I think that, to  degree, it tells the story of my muse. It depicts a beautiful, fragile woman who, while appearing vulnerable, is looking determinedly ahead. She is shrouded by hues of brown and beige which represent her past and all the loneliness and desolation she has known. However, upon closer inspection, one becomes keenly aware of the beautiful flowers which surround her and the exquisite butterflies resting upon her face. It is these elements of beauty which represent the bright and glorious future which lies ahead of her.

Images from:

http://activatechurch.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/metamorphosis-of-butterflies7.jpg

http://www.redbubble.com/people/lhighland/works/536880-metamorphosis

International Competitions - Mittelmoda

Mittelmoda is an internationally renowned fashion design competition which began in 1993. In order to be considered, applicants must submit a minimum of five outfits in the form of fully accessorised fashion illustrations. They can also submit one garment prototype. Prizes for this competition include €10,000 awarded to the overall winner and €5,000 awarded to the applicant deemed to have the best research. There are also numerous other 'special' prizes available for various other specialised collections, for example:

• Collections inspired by the seaside 
• Collections of tights and leggings
• Knitwear collections
• The most innovative accessory collection
• The best 'green and chic' collection

Above: Winning designs for 'The Most Creative Collection' in 2010. They belong to Dutch designer Pauline van Dongen.

Above: One of the winning collections from the 2011 Mittelmoda Competition designed by Dissislava Goranova.

References

2010, 3D Printed Shoes Awarded 'Most Creative' At Mittelmoda, Freedom of Creation, Amsterdam, viewed 25/03/2012, <http://www.freedomofcreation.com/for/3d-printed-shoes-awarded-most-creative-at-mittelmoda>

2012, 20 Years of Mittelmoda, Mittelmoda, Cormons, viewed 25/03/2012, <http://www.mittelmoda.com/home.asp>

Rissanen, T., Mittelmoda The Fashion Award, Parsons The New School for Design, New York, viewed 25/03/2012, < http://fashion.parsons.edu/2010/03/09/mittelmoda/>

International Competitions - ID International Emerging Designer Awards

The ID International Emerging Designer Awards are held in Dunedin. It is an annual competition which allows up and coming fashion designers to showcase their work and to gain recognition on an international level. It also provides the occasion for emerging designers to build industry contact and gain publicity – both of which are highly beneficial for designers who are hoping to begin their own label or to gain valuable experience within already established fashion houses. This competition awards a first prize of $5000, second prize of $3000 and third prize of $1000. 

This year UTS students did extremely well in this competition, with Patricia Kapeleris being awarded second prize and Natalia Grzybowski acheiving third. This is very encouraging as it evidences the way in which UTS prepares students for the international stage.

Above: Natlia Grzybowski's Hybrid collection featuring on the runway at the 2012 ID International Emerging Designer Awards.

References

2012, ID Dunedin Fashion Week, Myth, Dunedin, viewed 23/03/2012, <http://www.idfashion.co.nz/>

Aoake, H., 2012, ID International Emerging Designer Awards 2012, New Zealand Style Collective, 09/04/2012, <http://stylecollective.co.nz/2012/04/id-international-emerging-designer-awards-2012/>