Group Critique

Today I put forward the the origami cape I produced a few weeks ago in the group crit. 

In the group critiques I was advise to change the colours because pallet reminded some of the group of Halloween. They advised I change the black to white or a softer colour to give a softer effect that would still represent and adhere to the Japanese theme. 

A comment was also made about the two contrasting ways the fabric fell; the flow of the cape compared to the structured folding piece on the back. The thoughts from the group was that the contrasting combination of the drape of the fabric didn't work. 

The group proposed that the folds in the cape were more subtle and more flattering to the body then the bolder crisp lines in the folded fabric. 

The class expressed my own realisation of the fabric choice saying for the folded element of the experimental garment was too thick and a lighter weight fabric would have worked better. 

As I carry on my development I think I will use the advise for creating folds in softer way by the drape of fabric rather then the structured approach and change the black for a more feminine colour. 

Creativity Exercise - Build - Part 2 and Group Critique

This morning we spent a little more time on the creativity exercise called Build.

To develop my paper garment I decided to create a skirt to reflect the style of the bodice. Using the same materials folded in a complimentary fashion I made the bottom half of the garment, however joining and overlapping in a different way to the bodice.

After lunch we had our first group critique of the year, where students could opt to show what they had built and receive feedback from the others on their work.

I chose to show my work to gain influences and ideas from other people's opinions of my work. I received comments such as "the garment has a futuristic style, through the use of folding and sharp edges" and how the shape of the bodice reminded some of the group of a bird with the folds representing feathers. 

The group had a discussion about the the use a pattern material if I was to take this way of Origami garment construction forward. After some deliberation it was decided that a pattern material would take away the sharpness of the folds and that the shadows cast by the folds gave the garment its own pattern.

I was questioned on the length of the garment and why I chose it to be at that length. I was restricted to the size of the paper rather than having the option of length. When making the skirt I created it the same way circle skirts are made but using a square rather then a circle for the hemline. 

I was also asked what fabric I would use if I chose to move on from using paper. Using my knowledge of fabric and the qualities each possess, I explained that it would have to be a fabric such cotton calico strengthened by interfacing because it would hold the fold lines without being weighed down. I could also use a synthetic material such as strengthened polyester because some the the characterises of the fabric are similar to cotton but polyester doesn't breathe and if the garment was to be worn it wouldn't be very comfortable and polyester can have a 'cheap' look that is undesirable. Mouldable fabrics such as wool and felt could be used but I would have to experiment to find a way to mould the fabric to create appropriate folds for the garment.