Fashion Design Technology Final Project 1

 FASHION DESIGN TECHNOLOGY FINAL PROJECT 1 

WEEK 1

During our first week of class, we were briefed on all of our assignments and the rough flow of this semester. We were also asked to print out images that inspires our final collection during our break and present it in class. 

Design Research: 
I began on my research for my final semester 2 weeks before the semester started. I had a rough idea of the goals that I wanted to reach for this semester and also a rough design inspiration. 

For this semester, I was looking into more of a rustic, vintage and grunge feel for my collection. These are some of the examples;

Figure 1: Cottagecore vibes with a slight vintage touch.

Figure 2: street

Figure 3: Vintage/rustic

My presentation felt lacking because I didn't have a strong foundation or clear story behind my inspiration. I was advised to build a story for my collection concept. 

This had always been something that I struggle with because I find it a little difficult to relate my design to something, but I definitely knew I wanted to do something personal. 

That was when I thought about my personal life. When did I have the most fun or like any extreme feelings that I've felt throughout my life. Hence, it struck me; "first love".

My own experience with first love; something really fun, real, and meaningful, but that didn’t last because it was the right person at the wrong time. I wanted to create a collection that shows both the sweet and messy sides of that kind of love. It takes me back to my high school days so, I want to capture that feel and thrill during those moments. From the sunshine to the stormy days. Personally, it was more sunshine and more like a happy memory that I've always wanted to cherish. 

This collection is going to be a love letter to my past. A way to reminisce. 

 HOW AM I GOING TO LINK MY STORY TO DESIGN CONCEPT:

Mixing aesthetics like rustic, grunge, vintage, cottagecore, and punk can create a deeply nostalgic and romantic yet rebellious mood. 

1. Vintage/ Cottagecore - innocence, romance and nostalgia.

2. Grunge - vulnerability, challenges and chaos.

3. rustic - grounded, rawness 

WEEK 2

During this week, I decided to test on some fabric manipulation techniques and do a heavier research on my design concept. 

Denim patchwork using a thicker thread to hand sew the panels together.

A 'window' where a love letter would be written on the inside.

I had also done a bunch of sketches based on my inspiration with patchwork and also drapes.

Feedback: 

- sketch more designs for top and not only bottoms, have an even distribution of sketches

- make a bigger size manipulation with actual fabrics intended to be used for the collection.

- look into more brands to research on 

WEEK 3

During this week, I showed my fabric manipulations and also some of the sketches that I had drawn. I presented some brands that I used as references while sketching. Besides that, I also used some of the drape that I had done in previous class to help with the sketches. 

I was a little stuck on ideas for sketching and had to do more research on designer brands with similar aesthetics. 

- Alexander Mcqueen

- Vivienne Westwood

- Rodarte

Feedback: 

- As the manipulation's weight was unevenly distributed throughout the fabric, I was advised to used different fabric for the denims lining and interfacing for the gingham and plaid fasbrics. 

- refine more on my sketches. 

WEEK 4

Refined the denim manipulation as requested. Sketched about 50 sketches with separated top and bottoms. Did 2 variations of the manipulation with different colours to see which one I would prefer. 

Feedback: 

I was advised to finalize atleast 1 of my outfit by the end of the week in preparation for jury during Week 7. After showing my sketches, Kit also advised to pair up each piece to see which would go better with the other. 

Week 5 - Week 6

During this time, I mainly focused on the Look for the jury. I did a few variations of the sketch and finalized it with Mr.Brian during week 5. 

Finalized sketch for look 3

Initially I went with the bottom right sketch in the first picture but was advised not to as it doesn't fit the look. I then began drafting for my Look 3 during week 5. Firstly, I did a test fit for the top of look 3 with the long sleeves and ribbon. 

WEEK 6 CONSULTATION:

As the look was meant to be a lose fit, I was advised to make the fit bigger and the sleeves. 

After making the changes I then drafted the paneling for the look based on the sketch then began sewing the final toile for look 3 before jury presentation on week 7. 

I had only done a single side of the sleeves as I was running out of time. 

JURY FEEDBACK:

I needed to work more on my research with a more solid story to tell. The direction was right but there was lack of research to support it. Venture more into textured fabrics and different thinkness of thread to really bring out the collection as it is themed on 'memories'.

Toile: As for the toile overall, they said that it was okay, a good start but to use different threads for the stitches so that it looks uneven. Besides, for the ruffles on the skirt, they advised to make it fuller as it looked flat. 

Week 7-8

During this week, I was a little overwhelmed as I wasn't sure which direction I would want to go in for this collection. Hence, I wrote down all the key points that I wanted to achieve from this collection and finally finalized the idea. A more solid base to work on and help further develop my sketches. 

I also ventured different fabric manipulations/ sewing techniques/layering that would help bring this collection to life. 

MAIN THEME/CONCEPT: (FINALIZED)

"A Love Letter to My Past" is a deeply personal collection that reflects on the fragmented yet formative memories of my younger self, from the innocence of childhood to the complexity of early adulthood. Inspired by the bittersweet nature of first love and the evolution of identity. This collection represents a stitched-together narrative of who I was, who I loved, and who I’m becoming.

The collection blends rustic textures, grunge layers, vintage silhouettes, and cottagecore softness, held together with subtle punk energy, representing the emotional contrast between comfort and chaos, love and loss, memory and reality. Fabrics such as recycled denim, plaid, and distressed cotton mimic the broken, patched-up nature of memory. Every piece embodies a specific era of my life, from playful kindergarten moments to rebellious high school feelings, leading into quiet self-reflection in adulthood.

During this time, I had also gone to look for more textured fabrics to be included in this collection. 

After consultation, I had finalized all 4 sketches with Mr.Kit. 

Week 9

Finalized sewing my Look 3

I had fixed certain parts of the bodice. As for the sleeves, I used multicolored threads to attach the panels together. I removed the ruffles from the skirt attachment as I figured that it did not go so well with the final product. 

Final feedback to be changed on the actual for next semester:

- extend the lower lapel of the collar by 3cm

- extend the curve of front bodice Centre front downwards by 3cm then curve to side seams. 

- Reshape the back panel so that it doesn't drop too much. 

Final Outcome Look 3:

Week 10-11

During this time, I started to work on my Look 1 after finalizing the line up for the final collection (Week 8).

There were some changes made to Look 1 and 2 in the sketches. 

Sketches after changes to the look: 

Fit check for Look 1 after drafting the dress top: 

After finalizing the fit for the top of the dress, I began sewing the layers for the dress. Initially I was going to attach the layers to the layer before it but was advised to start the layer from the top bodice of the dress to get a better flow for the ruffles. 

After discussing with Mr. Kit, I decided to make some changes to the design because I didn't think that the short sleeves that I had initially drew fit the look. So, he recommended to have a long sleeve or leave the dress as sleeveless. Hence, I decided to draft the sleeves for the dress and test the fit. 

After some discussion I decided to make the look as sleeveless. I then cut up the patterns in full calico and sewed LOOK 1. 

FINAL OUTCOME: 

Feedback: 

- Make the layers similar length difference from each other. 

Ideas for final fabric on Look 1: 

TECHNICAL DRAWING: 

Week 12-13

Look 2: 

There were some changes made to the design: 

- The handstitched layer was moved to the pants bottom layer

- the double strap for the top was changed to a single strap.

Final Sketch:

This look contains 3 pieces: 

- top with extended back cape and front 2 extended panels

- puffer jacket

- layered pants

Draping the top for Look 2 top: 

After draping the top, using the waist measurements I had drafted the extension for the top and cut out the calico for those pieces and sewed the top.

As for the puffer jacket, I used a men's block bodice and sleeve to draft the patterns. Then cropped the men's bodice to the desired length. Then, cut out pattern pieces for the jacket and sewed it together. 

I then began planning out the layers for the pants. Calculating the circlle pattern to draft for each flared layer. Then, cut out the patterns and sewed it together. 

Marking position for strap

As for the 3rd layer of the pants, I drafted a full circle flare and drew the panel to section out the circle then cut out each pattern piece and hand sewed the pattern pieces with a brown yarn. 

FINAL OUTCOME:

Changes to be made on design for final: 

- reposition the dart on the top

- facing for the bottom of puffer jacket. 

TECHNICAL DRAWING: 

WEEK 14

Look 4: 

Started with draping the top for look 4. Then, concerted it onto drafting paper then drafted the extension for the top and also the back. 

Then sewed the base for the top to check the fit. 

After that, I proceeded with sewing the layers for the sleeves and attaching it to the top. Then, placing the loop for lacing at the back, front bow and sewing in the lining for the top.

Lastly, sewed the skirt and sewed a handstitched detail for the top section of the skirt. 

FINAL OUTCOME:

Feedback: 

- use circle pattern for flares on the sleeves

TECHNICAL DRAWING:

Reflection: 

This process challenged me to dig deeper into my own experiences and express them visually. I’ve learned how to balance aesthetics with meaning, and how to create designs that not only look good but also feel honest. I really hope that I am able to execute my desired outcome for this collection where each piece carries a deep meaning for me and tie up close ends from my past. 

I am also really grateful that I'm able to make this collection my own in my own way. Through this collection, I’ve been able to reconnect with different parts of myself, from childhood innocence to the bittersweet memories of my first love. Translating these emotions into fabric, texture, and silhouette has been quite challenging throughout the entire process.