I originally planned to make a skirt this week, but I did not have the materials I wanted, so that'll have to wait. I'm running low on fabrics and I plan on getting some more this week. Talking about this week, it's almost Halloween! For the last few years, I've made my own costumes and this year will be no different.
I am thinking about creating a costume inspired by the work of one of my favorite artists, Yayoi Kusama. Born in Japan in 1929, she has been associated with many movements and her work has many classifications from Surrealism and Minimalism to Eccentric Abstraction and Feminist Art. Kusama's symbol - if there is one - is the polka dot, which appears in many of her pieces. The story goes that when she was young, she observed a flower with circular petals. When she looked up, Kusama saw those circles everywhere: the sun, the moon, the earth. One of her most interesting projects is when she painted polka dots on volunteers to show that everything will eventually self-obliterate into its original form. These occurrences were called "happenings" (1965):
Although she is in a mental hospital, Kusama continues to create art. The following is from her exhibit titled "I pray with all of my love for tulips" (2012):
I hope to incorporate some of her ideas not only into my Halloween costume, but any future clothing pieces I make.
How I feel:
I'm a bit frustrated with how little time I have between school assignments and college applications, and I wish I could have constructed something this week (but que sera, sera). I'm still excited about this project, and I'm especially happy that I have an inspiration for my future pieces.
Future Plans:
After buying more fabric, I plan to make the skirt that I could not make this week. At the same time, I plan to continue researching about all aspects of this project.
Wow, Julia! I am truly amazed at the progress you've made (although it's not that shocking since you are an outstanding student and brilliant individual). Anyway, I definitely feel your pain on wanting to do so much more but not having the time because of all the school work and college applications..hang in there! Your articles of clothing you have designed so far are truly excellent. Reading through your blog made it seem like it was a breeze for you. I really liked the dress and the junior's top you made. Looking at all of these makes me want to see more, and I can't wait what all you will surprise your audience with on presentation day! Good luck :)
ReplyDeleteHey, Julia. I remember listening to your project pitch during project pitch week and I was really surprised that you had decided on trying to get an online clothing store kind of thing going. I was really excited to see that play out, but I'm sad to hear that it won't be happening. One of our friends told us you were going to use me to model clothes too haha but I guess that isn't going to happen now either. But I'm still really impressed with what you've gotten accomplished so far. I'm a typical guy, so anything related to sewing, crocheting, knitting, and all that jazz, it's way out of my realm of comprehension. I don't think I'm ever going to even come close to some of the things you made, even the simpler ones. A lot of the girls at school that knit, usually knit like scarves or hats, but it's really cool to see you make an entire shirt. But then again, sewing and knitting are two different things... I think... Either way, what you've got going on is great, and I'm really excited to see what you'll present to us in December.
ReplyDeleteI remember seeing your pitch in class, and looking through your blog posts really shows how much progress you have made. You've gone from a simple children's shirt to a super cute juniors shirt. I bet if you made more of those junior's shirts in different sizes, they would be great to put in your online store (I would buy one). I can't wait to see if you do more dresses. I think dresses would be great for your online store if they are as simple as your strapless one was. I'm excited to see what your skirt will look like, and I can't wait to see your Halloween costume once it's finished. I'm really happy that your making such good progress, and I really think that if this is your passion, you could be a fashion designer one day like your mentor. Good luck on your future creations :]
ReplyDeleteThis is so impressive! The idea of an Online Clothing Store may seem distant, but you are on a roll. I Didn't expect you to have so many pieces of clothing actually completed, but with each scroll, there was something new. And they are super cute, too! I bet most of us would wear them, so don't worry. Also, props to you for committing so much time and effort into this in the midst of AP classes, homework, and college applications. I also love that you use Project Runway as inspiration; that show sometimes becomes a secret love of mine when I get on trend and fashion highs. This is really interesting and exciting, so good luck to you in creating and learning. I know the outcome will impress us and hopefully you too!
ReplyDeleteJulia!!
ReplyDeleteThis is SUPER awesome! Sewing is a skill that I wish I had, and it looks like you are doing amazing. I love how you are putting pictures of the pieces of clothing you have made because they look great! It is truly amazing on how many pieces of clothing you have already made, even though your schedule is super busy. You seem to be really dedicated to this project, and I love that! I also think that it is super cool how you are able to adapt while you are making a piece. With your dress, you realized you didn't have enough fabric, so you switched up the design a little bit. Also with your Junior's shirt, you were able switch up your sewing a little... and that is what a great sewer does. So, you are basically KILLING this project :) Keep it up! You got this!! Good luck :)
Goodness. Most people would have read a bunch of fashion blogs and maybe have ordered some fabric at this point. I am thoroughly impressed. Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteBefore this semester, I had no idea that you were into fashion or clothing, but after seeing you work on this project and talking about the fashion section of the WSJ with you, I can see that it's definitely something about which you're passionate. All the research you've done look really well organized and thought out, and the "junior's top" (?) looks excellent! Best of luck with the rest of the semester!
ReplyDelete(There was a copy of Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" that I picked up a couple of years ago that listed Yayoi Kusama as the illustrator. If you like her artwork, you should check out that book, because I felt like that art and illustrations actually enhanced the reading experience!)
Your project seems to be coming along really well! I actually used to watch Project Runway a LOT, and it's interesting to see someone I know try and design their own clothing for a future clothing store. I can really see your passion for fashion through your blog. The t-shirt, juniors top, and strapless dress you made all look amazing. It's interesting to learn more about fashion and art itself, not just sewing clothes, through your posts. You've gone beyond just a DIY project to really exploring fashion and the art that is behind it. One question: do you hand sew all your pieces or do you have a sewing machine? I'm very excited to see your final product! Good luck! :)
ReplyDeleteJulia!! I had no idea you were doing sewing! I am too. However, you seem to be a lot more skilled than me and I really really enjoyed looking at your blog. I will definitely be keeping up with you progress now. I am trying to make single dress and you have already made several clothing items. They all look great!! You are so creative and I love your take on fashion. I can't wait to check out your online store.
ReplyDeleteAyee Julia. Your project seems awesome, especially because the amount of work you put into it is evident. I honestly want know how your store turns out. This is especially interesting because this project could turn into a career. Your love for design and your talent in making clothes is very inspiring. Though I'm not really the type to wear your clothes, (you know, because I'm a male) they do look beautiful. Also, I think it's pretty cool that your mentor has a mental problem. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteWow I am so surprised by your topic, I guess I learned something new about you because of this project, I did not know you were interested in fashion! I would love to see some of the work that you have made so far and I hope this online store works out for you! I would love to learn more about how you created the dresses, as that is something that interests me. I'm all about looking at trends and the creativity which I see in your work! I wish you luck for the rest of your project, can't wait to see everything you accomplish!
ReplyDeleteJulia, I loved reading your posts, especially seeing the pictures of your inspiration. I also really like that you have done research and made actual progress with your project. The clothing you have made so far looks really promising, and I think it's great that you'll be getting more fabric soon and making more pieces. I look forward to seeing them and your final presentation!
ReplyDeleteThe idea of having an online store is so cool! The first top you made looks great and it's a great start. I loved your pictures with the models and your preference of designs. Send me the website and I'll definitely buy something! :) Good luck!!
ReplyDeleteAw Juliaaa~ I remember talking to you near the beginning of this project and you seeming so excited. I'm happy that you're starting to get the hang of things and what you've made so far seems really cool. It's also awesome that you're working on making something inspired by Kusama. That should be really interesting:o Looking forward to your presentation (you should make the classroom into a runway ahah)
ReplyDeleteGood luck and can't wait to see what you make next!
Juliaaa. Your blog looks amazing! I know how much we used to talk about Project Runway and ANTM, so I'm not surprised that you chose to do your project on fashion and designing clothes. The shirts and dresses that you've already made look great! I wish I knew more about fashion and clothes, and I've learned a lot from reading your blog posts. I totally agree with Kathy that you should the class into a runway! Get some people who are willing to be your models! :D I can't wait to see more clothes that you've made, and I can't wait to see your final presentation! (Btw, happy early b-day! :D)
ReplyDeleteOpening a clothing store is really awesome. You learn the responsibility of business and you make money. It is not easy at all. My cousin started one recently and it is doing okay. It's hard to do when you make everything. Sometimes buying In bulk can help sell. And you could make the exclusive items. I hope it goes great!
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