Final Photo Shoot

Our final shots of both the conjoined and triple dress were taken on a fuji instax camera. We made sure we shot the triple dress in a variety of ways to show its versatility. We decided to style the conjoined dress with a leather jacket to show how wearable it is, although the pattern is innovative. Although a more minimal shoot may have also been appropriate, we wanted to toughen up the garments, and show how easily they can be worn.  The sportswear finish and soft jersey turn an experimental dress into a more wearable and versatile garment.

Triple Dress Variations

After we made our triple dress we realised it could be worn in variety of ways we hadn't thought of. Whilst the dress was designed so it could be worn by either one, two or three people, we discovered when worn by one person it could also be worn in a multitude of ways. By twisting the straps and wearing them in alternative positions, layering the separate dresses, there are a variety of looks and drapes that can be achieved .

Final Making (Group Post)

From our toile there were a few differences we needed to make to our construction process for the final garments. 

From using two different types of jersey, silk and a heavy cotton jersey, we could decide what we wanted to use. We didn't like the sheen of silk jersey but liked the weight of it, however we didn't like the weight of the heavier cotton jersey. We decided to use a lightweight cotton jersey in pale grey for both dresses to keep the dresses consistent. We feel this fabric will also give our dresses the best drape.

We also needed to finish our final garments properly, as we only overlocked the edges of our toiles as it was too small to finish neatly. We decided to use the double stitcher to finish the neck, armhole and hem as this gives the dress a more sportswear look. 

Because our pattern pieces were so large, we also had problems fitting them on our fabric to cut them out. This meant the conjoined dress had to be made slightly shorter however we were happy with the changes as the general look of the dress wasn't altered in any way. We also realised when we made the final dress, it would have been too long if we had kept the original measurements. 

Toile Time... (Group Post)

The triple dress

The pattern

1. Draw around a basic dress block straightening out the waist.
2. Add 4cm to the side seam.
3. Add another dress block to create 1 and 1/2 dress pattern.

The final outcome.

We were really happy with the outcome of the toile. The shape expressed the concept just how we wanted it too. The weight of the fabric created a good fall however we did not like the sheen it had as we thought it coincide with the androgynous style we are after. 

The conjoined dress
The pattern

1. Start with a full dress block
2. Add a half length, full dress pattern to either side.
3. Position a full dress block in the right corner.

The final outcome

Again we were really happy with the outcome of the dress. with the same concept we wanted to create what would be a dress that 'could fit' several people in but for one person so the extra shapes will create drapes.The weight of the fabric we felt was too heavy to create the folds we wanted.

Final Design Variations

I decided to sketch some variations on our decided final designs. We chose to go with two designs, although we have given ourselves more work to do we feel doing both dresses communicates the concept more effectively. 

The next step . . . (Group Post)

The next step is to design and make a final garment as part of a group of three, based on the techniques we have learnt in innovation design and innovative cutting. Looking at each of our research, blogs and designs, we have collaborated ideas based on our concepts. We have decided to make one of my designs which is based on the concept of 'connection' which also ties in with Kellys ideals. Taking inspiration from the exhibition ' Future beauty: 30 years of japanese fashion' that we attended at the Barbican Centre in London, we have decided to produce two garments. Our first piece is a conjoined triple dress, made from a light weight jersey, as we feel draping will be achieved best by this weight of fabric. The colour choice of our fabric also ties in with every ones colour palette. The second garment (made from the same stretch jersey) is another conjoined dress, however it is an altered design and pattern, as we felt exploring different variations of the garment would push our concept further and begin to develop a range.

Deppari Shirt

In class we were given this worksheet, to learn about the Deppari shirt. It was interesting to learn different techniques and different ways of creating forms through traditional pattern cutting. At first I struggled to understand the instructions, but once I had got my head round it it was quite easy. I don't think this technique was relevant to my project however I find learning new pattern cutting techniques incredibly inspiring, as often pattern cutting can seem constricting and boring.