altering p a t t e r n s

As part of the pattern research for Effervescent, I chose a number of images that I felt reflected the garments that Effervescent is heavily influenced by, and have altered the patterns a number of times to find the patterns that I will then use for my final garments.

70's i n s p i r a t i o n

After looking at the current trend of Japanese clothing and much research, I found that most the inspiration for its silhouette (the maxi dresses, crop tops and halter necks) have been inspired by clothing from the 70's. It's clear why; as their loose fitting materials and layered fabric, alongside pleated skirts prove to be a successful trend in high street stores and catwalks. This type of silhouette has also inspired Effervescent, as the theme we are going for is very loose fitting clothing, with the contrast of flared sleeves and trousers, halter necks and wrap dresses.

christian dior origami c o l l e c t i o n

As Effervescent is heavily influenced by Japanese culture, I decided to research more into which designers had created Japanese-inspired collections in the past, in which I came across Christian Dior's 2007 Spring/Summer collection; kimonos, obis, and geisha makeup were Dior-ified, transformed into delicate translations of peplum suits and full-skirted dance dresses. Each look sprouted yet more miraculous planes of origami folding, their stiff geometries creating necklines like flowers or hovering birds.

polyvore e n t r y #2

erdem spring 2013 r e v i e w

I have researched many designers that can really inspire the Effervescent brand in terms of the designs and colour palette of the garments, one of my favourite designers that has really inspired is Erdem, who regularly uses vibrant floral prints alongside lace and embellishment which combines into really beautiful RTW garments on the catwalk. The following review has been taken from Vogue.com in which Chioma Nnadi reviews Erdem's Spring 2013 runway show.

Where he has drawn from a painterly palette of reminiscent of Monet's waterlilies in the past, Erdem's new florals radiated with hot hues more commonly found on Mars. Organza silk dresses were woven with neon orange, baby blue, and yellow petals that were like artificial colours in a box of candy - or as he put it, "toxic pastels." A power shortage cut out the lights midway through the show. "Sometimes the spaceship malfunctions," he said laughing.

In some ways that moment only served to highlight special effect of the clothes, and you could imagine how the Day-Glo embroidery would shimmer like traces of very chic kryptonite in a dark room. The silhouette, on the other hand - a wasp-waisted fifties line that was finished with a ruffled collar or a bejeweled neck - spoke to a feminine approach to dressing that finds its footing in the real world. Though, with all ingenious diaphanous layering, it was hard to tell where an applique lace skirt ended and a studded silk chiffon top began. In fact almost all of those looks came in one piece.

To read the full review click here

polyvore e n t r y #1

Recently I have created a Polyvore account, enabling me to create "sets" that include a garment alongside shoes and accessories. I've begun to create sets that I believe reflect the Effervescent brand which will be posted up regularly over the next few months.

japanese inspired clothing @ t o p s h o p

Recently featured in Topshop are Japanese-inspired garments in the form of A-line and maxi skirts and cigarette trousers; featuring origami pleats or even just a ditsy floral print that resembles Japanese-inspired clothing that has been seen  in catwalks in the past.

Lace Zip Step Hem Pelmet Skirt, £38

Metallic Origami Skirt, £40 

Beachy Floral Maxi Skirt, £48

Tile Jacquard A-line Skirt, £38

Ditsy Floral Jacquard Trousers, £45

instagram i n s p i r a t i o n

Picture credit; Instagram

ethical f a s h i o n

As Effervescent is a brand that is aiming to use ethically-dyed fabric and renew pieces of embellishment for  the products, we have looked into several articles that approach the subject of ethical fashion. An article on Vogue.co.uk presents an interview with Simone Cipriani - the head of the Ethical Fashion Initiative of The International Trade Centre (ITC), a joint agency of the United Nations and World Trade Organisation.

What is ethical fashion?

"I think ethical fashion is being responsible for people and for the planet. For the planet we know sustainability is the word of today, but sustainability is a very vague concept which came about after The Brundtland Report, so it's a word which has been overused. New we have to talk about something which is immediately understandable by people. It is about the place we live, usable also by those who come after us and making it livable., make it a place worth living for those who are here today."

How can this translate within the realms of a fashion business?

"Being responsible means being practical. A fashion product has to be gorgeous, it has to be beautiful; it has to be within a certain margin or price, and so on. This is the bottom line. But then there is a new bottom line which is also responsible; responsible with a positive story which is how the value is built in the whole value chain."

Picture credit; Google

To read the full article, click here

topshop t u m b l r

Recently I've discovered Topshop's Tumblr, in which they're regularly showcasing looks that catch their eye; either at fashion shows or on the streets of London. Looking through the Tumblr several times I have found stunning outfits and key pieces that really caught my eye which I can then incorporate into the designs for Effervescent.

Picture credit; topshop.tumblr.com