The Curse of the Golden Flower

I watched this film a long time ago and the thing I liked the most about it was the beautiful costumes.

The film gets its title from the Chrysanthemum symbol that is worn by the family and throughout the film the Queen embroiders it onto what looks like organza. This inspired me to use embroidery in my project to transfer my design onto fabric. I will use white thread and white organza.

My Art Nouveau Design

http://www.opulencesilksanddyes.com/Instruction_Main_Page/Chemical____Thickener_Instruct/Devore_Paste___Fiber_Etch/devore_paste___fiber_etch.html

Flowers

Koi Suwannagate

The LA Fashion Designer's Spring 2010 Collection:

 

This is my absolute favourite piece. It is similar to Givenchy's 2011 collection, but is more wearable. The bold black flowers look incredible against the sheer white background.

Devoré by Proenza Schouler



Image from StyleBubble.co.uk



Devoré does have a tendency to look outdated but Proenza Schouler's Autumn 2009 RTW collection brings it up to date. The jagged jewel colours cover the body in all the right places but show off some skin beneath black chiffon, cretaing modern twist.

If I were to use this technique, however, I would use a much paler, softer colour pallette of whites, creams and perhaps one or two pastel colours.

Trapping fabric

I really like this sample from Rockside Rooster, who

describes it as:

'Rose blossoms cut from chemical lace border, inserted between two layers of organza, and stitched in spirals. This piece was later melted.'

Givenchy Spring 2011 Haute Couture- So Inspiring!

I absolutely adore Givenchy's new collection, to me it conjures images of ethereal godesses from another universe. The way the slices of white fabric appear to be suspended in mid-air is incredible. The soft colour pallette works so well with the sharp lines and the three dimensional elements add the most beautiful textures I've ever seen on a garment. The above dress is my favourite, and the back of the dress is just as dramatic:

The strong architectural panels are further emphasised by a shock of fluorescent lime green. Although I'm not a big fan of fluorescent colour on clothing, I think it works in this instance because the dress is so fashion forward and futuristic. The collection was, after all inspired partly by Japanese toys, and from the back I can really imagine it transforming.

I intend to use this collection as inspiration for my final piece, which will be an Art Nouveau style garment. I think stylised natural forms and sinous outlines of flowers and leaves would look beautiful on a garment like this. I hope to create the same effect as Givenchy did in their collection by experimenting with a few techniques. I intend to look at:

• Devoré
• Batik
• Embroidery on sheer fabrics
• Trapping fabric between layers of sheer fabric
• Attaching 3D shapes (e.g. flowers) to sheer fabrics