Fashion Review
- Ashley podrebarac
- Feb 9, 2016
- 2 min read
I believe when a designer can mix their pieces and they look like they can go together, without being forced, that's when you know your design aesthetic is followed throughout your work.
Believe it or not these two garments were not designed to be together at all I had designed the top about six months before the pants were even a thought in my head.
My teacher, at the time, was one of those who would lay out books on a table for the class to look at and read, but no student ever does. Except one day, my brain was completely spaced out and I wasn't feeling inspired to design anything. I hate designing real simple silhouettes. I love to experiment and challenge myself as a designer. So with that said, I reached for some inspiration within those books she had on the table, when I came across Pattern Magic by Tomoko Nakamichi. This book was so eye-opening!
I understand how to pattern and manipulate fabric but this was a whole other level I became inspired by 'Bamboo Shoot'. in the book to create my top. These slash style lines gave me this strong geometric/structure feeling that I am obsessed with as a designer.
I broke down the pattern for the silhouette from the book (which was my biggest struggle because it was all in centimeters and you really had to pay close attention on how to construct the pattern pieces together) This book was originally written in Japanese and the translation to English isn't all that clear. I took my inspiration and revamped it into what you see today. I used a tuck dart technique to create this effect.
Getting inspired for these pants was easy. I'm obsessed with deep pleat details on pants and if I'm being totally honest the fabric choice was simply because I got it for a $1 a yard (you just can't turn that down!) It turned out to be perfect for my style of pant. Now when I finished these pants I loved the concept but really didn't love them..AT ALL.. till I saw them through a camera lens. Now I want to wear them myself! It's amazing how getting the right person in your clothes makes the world of a difference.
These are also the first pants I've ever made so believe me I struggled and did about 2 different mock-ups (a test pattern usually made out of muslin fabric). My biggest challenges were the pockets and the pant fly zipper. (THANK YOU Youtube!)
For the designers who really want to challenge themself I recommend buying Pattern Magic. They have 3 books out now and they have a 4th edition coming out soon. You can buy them in store, however, it is much cheaper to buy the set of 3 on Amazon.
