New Theme | Freelancing

(Source: Vogue UK)

After a little break from freelancing it's time to get back in to it and create as many design groups as I can before Premiere Vision. My last collection was a William Morris inspired one and this new collection is also based around the idea of his work, but more inspired by the Valentino Spring Summer 2015 runway collection. I achieved a good outcome with the last group and I'm very excited about this new theme. Of course, I'm a little wary and scared as I always feel about taking on a theme I haven't experimented with before. I have a constant look in my head of how I want the designs to look and try not to feel disappointed when the outcomes don't match the ideal look in my head. But, overall, it's about experimenting and testing myself and my design skills. There is always something to learn from designing a collection and to use those for future themes. 

So, lets get designing... 

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Book Haul

Having just gone on a recent trip home it was the perfect opportunity to go and route through my big box of fashion and textile books. I always forget how many I actually have. Some (like the career ones) won't come in handy like they did in college. But some of the books I own (like the designer, picture and printing books) I know I will go to again and again to build up my knowledge. Three of the books that I have used throughout University, and mainly for my dissertation, I wanted to share and point out what they include and what's good about them. All three combined together have a wealth of know,edge within the pages and have helped me so much along the way and still continue to. Just this weekend reading through them I picked up things I forgot about, like hoe this or that dye works and what this process does to fabric.

So, which is what and what do they do? 

1. The Complete Guide to Designing and Printing - by Laurie Wisbrun 

Includes: 

- Interviews with professionals

- How to develop collections 

- Developing your market plan ~ your vision

                                               ~ your objectives. 

                                               ~ your brand personality

                                               ~ what are you selling and who to

- Trade shows ~ developing your budget

                       ~ what shows to go to and general advice 

- How to build moodboards 

- Various different patterns 

- Building colour palettes 

- Legal considerations 

- Explains Photoshop filters 

- How to create block, half drop and straight repeatson Photoshop and Illustrstor

- Explains textile dyes and inks 

- Small amount of detail on types of fabrics 

- Explains dying fabric ~ resist and vat dying 

- Hand printing ~ block and stencil 

- Screen and digital printing process 

2. Printed Textile Design - by Amanda Briggs-Goode 

Includes: 

- How to understand a design brief and how answer that brief alongside how to brainstorm

- How to categorise prints from geometric to floral etc 

- Explains the variety of printing methods ~ resist printing 

                                                                ~ woodblock printing

                                                                ~ copperplate printing 

                                                                ~ engraved roller printing 

                                                                ~ screen printing 

                                                                ~ heat transfer printing 

                                                                ~ digital inkjet printing 

- Understanding the textile market 

- Trend predictions and trade shows 

- Design fundamentals like ~ drawing 

                                          ~ colour theory 

                                          ~ the various repeats from half drop to mirror 

- Creating a motif block repeat in Photoshop 

- Block repeat using offet filter 

- Creating half drop repeats

- Developing your drawings through composition, scale and filters 

- Discusses stencil printing, paper stencils, photographic stencils, relief printing, transfer printing, direct and indirect transfer printing, collagraph printing, digital printing, mono printing, reactive mono printing, direct and indirect mono printing

- Surface manipulation and visualisation  

- Colour seperations for screen printing    

- Manufacturing methods and materials 

- Talks of fabrics like ~ silk

                                ~ wool 

                                ~ cotton 

                                ~ linen

                                ~ synthetic and man made 

- Dyes and pigments 

- Discusses digital printing and screen printing

- Sustainability 

- Discusses freelancing, design studios, textile manufacturers, textile converters, garment suppliers, contract furnishings 

- Designer case studies 

- Becoming a printed textile designer ~ having a website

                                                          ~ digital portfolio 

                                                          - how to present your CV 

                                                          - Selling designs 

3. Digital Textile Printing - by Melanie Bowles and Ceri Isaac 

Includes: 

- Discusses digital, inkjet, sublimation and other styles of printing 

- Advantages and disadvantages of digital printing 

- Digital printing technology 

- Discusses drawing, using a graphic tablet and photography 

- Tutorials in using Photoshop filters, creating complex colour blends, building floral motifs, engineered prints, photomontage, sequin effect, building a brush palette, creating a colour palette

- Repeat tutorials in Photoshop and Illustrstor from basic block(with offset filter), half drop and half drop motif

- Creating gingham, stripes and plaid patterns 

- Pen mapping tool 

- Line drawing 

- Creating graphic silhouettes

- Discusses Devore, foiling, flocking

- Designer case studies  

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The Comparative Shop #10

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 

Well, it certainly has been a long time since my last comparative shop. Life can definitely get in the way of blogging sometimes. But this week its a Topshop overdose of mirror repeat prints in a gorgeous array of colours from pinks, reds, blues and greens.

For me, Topshop hit the nail on the head when it comes to intricate prints with curves, layers and multiple colour ways. I love how they take one print and utilise it on a variety of garment shapes and cuts. They seem to be not afraid to experiment with colours, scales and compositions. 

My eye seems to have been drawn to their mirror repeats of recent, especially the William Morris inspired sleeveless duster jacket (1). I tried this on in store and its a perfect, drapey jacket to go with jeans, pumps or heels and a plain 3/4 or capped sleeve top. The colours are so warming and ideal for the transition from summer to autumn. 

The deep blue complements the pink base on this playsuit (2) and the contrast of the sleeves makes it all that more exciting. Pretty, but daring! The floral v-neck cami is full of deep reds and dark oranges with the accents of white and green. It's a floral / fauna / tile print mix up that is visually exciting and perfect to wear with jeans and sandals this summer and with jeans, boots and a cardigan this autumn.

This pretty floral dress caught my eye away due to the William Morris style handwriting of the print and juxtaposition of soft, flowing lines with placed florals. The side ties at the daring side to a girly dress. A perfect holiday dress if you ask me!

What was your favourite this week?

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Competition | Bohemia

"Inspired by the catwalk shows of Etro, Valentino and Burberry, "A Travellers Dance" captures the Boho style. A colourful and unique print designed by hand that layers a fee-flwing repeat with a visually eye-catching boarder".

I recently entered the latest Textile Federation competition entitled "Bohemia" which I somehow manage to squeeze in to my busy schedule. I was quite excited by the project so wanted to give it a go and use this as a base to test my graphic tablet skills. I designed the print using various internet found paisley and indian woodblock designs which I then changed slightly using different brush marks that had a sketchy and relaxed edge to it. I then use copyright free designs for the boarder (which were slightly modified) that fit in with the half drop design of the main print. I was really inspired by the way Burberry had simple straight block repeats in a two colour way in their A/W 2015 collection (bottom right) and wanted this for the boarder rather than Etros dip-dye hem from their S/S 2015 garment (bottom left). This print, however, gave the the idea for the main repeat of my design which I decided to make slightly more busy and use warmer colours as well as the purples and blues. There is so much inspiration for the Boho style print and pattern so I could have spent a lot longer design this print in real depth, but competition deadlines call and submission is a must! I am quite pleased with the overall look which still carries my handwriting. Every project definitely teaches you something and this one taught me to not be afraid so much of an open brief. And yes the mood board is a great reference, but what it does and should do is in the name and allow that mood to be felt but not have to follow whats on the board so tightly and restrict design freedom.

Lesson learnt! Next project please!

See the design over at Textile Federation.

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Resort 2016 | Issey Miyake

(Sources 1 | 2)

I'm not a huge fan of tropicals and tend to avoid them in my own work and in my wardrobe, but when I saw Issey Miyake's Resort collection I begun to like tropical prints that little bit more.

The colours used are what draw me in the most with lush trend and burning reds and pinks. The blend of tropical greens with earthy blues are a perfect combination against the softer greys and whites. The creative director, Yoshiyuki Miyamae, and the team have combined visits of tropics amazingly well and even experimented with its 3-D stretch technology (which I am to get my head around still) that is visually stunning on the outerwear pieces. 

Textile technology and print at its best!

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The Comparative Shop #9

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

It's very much a floral theme this week and I have had my eye caught by a few fashion prints from the likes of Topshop, Zara and Warehouse. Recently though I have been much more in to block colour and have had weeks of have colour crushes (blog post must!).

My first print is one I saw at Topshop a couple of weeks ago and feel in love with it (as I do with most of Topshops prints). The layered inky detail contributes to the eye catching mix of reds and its stunning how there are hints of darker blues with the neon. Even though the print is very busy and made of of marks and what seems like brushstrokes, you can still see the detail of the florals and leaves.

Zara has made it twice on to my list this week. The printed top (2) has such an interesting lose style and the mix of bright yellows, oranges, pinks and black give it an eye catching overall look. With the combination of a ditsy, boarder scarf print it works so well across all the bottoms and dress the print also comes in.

The Zara jumpsuit (3) caught my eye immediately when I saw it online. The print is made up of jet three colours but overall is visually exciting. I think the scale of the print is what makes this print so fresh and effective on the jumpsuit. Even though I can make out the way it repeats, because of the scale and the way the garment has been cut make it seem more complicated and intricate. 

To sum up this floral shop is these giant floral tailored trousers from Warehoure, a brand that has been making me look twice every time I walk past my local store. The simple colours work well on this large scale print and, as I personally wear dark colours a lot, I like the hint of neon yellow that brighten this print up. The looseness of the lines give it a very hand drawn feel that is unique and not overworked. I could definitely see these in my wardrobe.

What was your favourite this week?

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The Comparative Shop #8

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

My comparative shop this week has taken an interior turn. Since I was quite young and knew I wanted to go in to textiles I've always been inspired by interiors. I get a real sense of excitement when I go in to a department store and see all the bedding and wallpaper with coloured walls and accessories. I could definitely spend a fortune on interiors from bedding, wallpaper, cushions and throws. 

My eye was instantly drawn in to the kaleidoscope print from Anthropologie (1) and the mixture of greys and oranges (my favourite colours at the moment). It is such simple repeat that is just built up with layers of textures, motifs and shapes.

I've always explored the Urban Outfitters home section and have a couple of accessories from the brand, but this duvet (2) is one I have been admiring for a while. Firstly, its mainly blue which is a favourite of mines. Secondly, I love the simplicity of lines filled with colour and the overall structure of the print. The lines have a sense of looseness about them and there is a mixture of busy and more spacious areas. 

The 100% cotton duvet from Zara Home is so simple in terms of colours, but so intense with its paisley print. I like the variant degree of blues with the cream as a core colour. The motifs are a combination of large versus small scale that give the print an overall balance and flow. The bedding is also a brilliant price for the high level of design it represents.

I have recently used this woodblock print from Anthropologie on a recent project I did (more on that to come in later posts) and I love the loose handwriting of this print (4). It is screen printing in gorgeous colours like reds, greens and oranges with deep greys and a hint of pastel yellow/orange. This is one of my favourite Anthropologie prints at the moment with its large scale motifs and use of lines with block colours and sketchy marks. And, because the core colour of a simple white, the colours are so strong and eye catching. 

What was your favourite this week?

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The Comparative Shop #7

 1 | 2 | 3 | 4

It was slightly harder to pick my favourite four prints this week. Nothing has truly caught me off guard apart from this William Morris style print from H&M (1). The colours are sweet and simple but I was really struck with how well done the detailing is. Marks like lines and dots make up the print which twists and turns in a non-directional repeat. 

Floral prints that I have seen recently tend to be created using marks, lines and a build up of colours much like the shirt from Zara (2) and the shorts from Urban Outfitters (4). Zara's printed shirt has a small scale in comparison to the shorts which I like better. 

Of course, I love a paisley print and was really excited by this paisley printed shirt from Warehouse. The navy base colour works so well with the mint greens, yellows and oranges of the print and the scale is the perfect size and print direction to create a flattering look.

All prints are (again) so different this week. What was your favourite?

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Floral Inspiration

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

I love florals. I love interior print designs. So, clearly, I am in total admiration for the floral prints at John Lewis this season. With a vast collection of colours from soft blues, creams, yellows and pinks my mind goes in to colour overdrive.

The overall inspiration for me is the loose hand drawn, water colour look and feel that translates so easily from bedding to cushions and to curtains. You can really brighten up your bedroom with these prints by picking out accessories that match the many colours in the prints.
For my next project, I am creating some hand drawn interior prints and feel really inspired by the prints at John Lewis at the moment. So, it's time to get the watercolours and paper out!

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The Comparative Shop #6

Shop these looks 1 | 2 | 3 | 4

Every week for the past month or so I have been blogging my favourite five prints from browsing in-store and online which I have really enjoyed. It's made me more aware of what trends are filtering down from the catwalks, more aware of the different styles of high street stores and made me aware of new brands. But now I have decided to change the look of how I present my comparative shop after being inspired my a River Island look book magazine. As you probably guess by reading my blog often I love putting together mood boards and making presentations of my inspirations in neat little layouts.

This week I have been inspired by quite a mixture of prints. The first being this conversational bug print from Urban Outfitters. With its retro feel it is a fun and easy wear, with the softest material and minimalist drape cut. I am also a really big fan of the base fabric colour which is a deep green navy. Who doesn't love a fun conversational print?

Of course, Zara has been a winner with me this week and I have fallen in love with these florals shorts with a flowing cut and high waist. It is a perfect summer wardrobe hit for weekends in the park or a BBQ with friends. The composition of the print and the simplicity of the lines and colours makes it very eye catching and a print I would love to try and replicate in my own style (when I have a spare moment).

Just like Zara, Topshop and H&M have again been two of my favourites this week. I love scarf prints and this Topshop one (3) has such a great free, bohemian feel to it. I love the loose lines, the simple colours and the variety of scale. It has that hand drawn feel that H&M have achieved with their print (4). This v-neck top has an Ikat look to it and is a soft, drape jersey top with a round hem and the ideal partner for shorts this summer. With layers of colour and a structured repeat the contrast lies in the looseness of shapes and elements that have been built up.

I wish I had the time to sit and create my own versions of these prints! I love them all. What was your favourite this week?

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River Island X Pacha Party Look

Dress | White Pacha Sheer Embellished Fringed Dress 

Swimsuit | Pink Pacha Floral Print Corset Swimsuit

Sunglasses | White Rubber Chunky Frame Sunglasses 

Bag | White Question Mark Round Bag

Wedges | White Embellished Front Raffia Wedges

River Island have teamed up with Pacha for their final Spring Summer 2015 collaboration and to celebrate they are holding a blogger competition - so, why not give it a try. If you follow my blog, you'll know I love putting together mood boards, outfits and trends so this project excited me very much.

So, lets talk about this fabulous beach look shall we!

Being a print designer, I was naturally drawn in to a printed swimsuit and loved this floral number from the River Island X Pacha collection. It is feminine, soft and the colours gives off that shimmering sea effect. With it being a corset and having panels down the sides it is sure to be flattering, allowing you to indulge in some summer food and drink. I love the added V-Neck detail which gives it a edgier look.

This 1920s style sheer embellished fringed dress is a simple yet stylish way to cover up and take the beach look from day to night. It adds that lady like elegance to the swimsuit and glamour that speaks for itself. The embellishment on the neck of the dress sits perfectly with the textured raffia wedges with gold tone embellishment to the front. With the rope on the front and heel of this shoe adding texture and building up the look from toe to head and head to toe.

Of course, every girl needs her shades this summer and these rubber chunky frame sunglasses with tinted frames are the ideal way to make sure mark. The silver tone arms compliment the gold details of the overall outfit.

To keep the look fun and flirty, go for this round question mark bag. Round bags are a huge trend for summer 2015 and seen on catwalk shows such as Karen Walker, Rebecca Minkoff and Versace. And if Donatella says a round bag is a must have then who can resist adding one to their beach look this season?

You might be thinking "oh gosh, so much white going on!". Well white is of course one of the biggest colours of the season and a colour River Island have been rocking so well in their stores. So, lets rock our white sunnies and floral swimsuit and head to the beach for a few cocktails and a dance with our friends! And what shall we be dancing to you ask? Well, my summer theme tune is Wake Me Up by Avicii. It takes me back to my summer holiday spent in Toulouse, France where I sipped wine and soaked up the sun.

Whats your beach look this season? And what will be your summer song?

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Prints | Top 5

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

This weeks comparative print shop is a combination of heavy to more spacious prints. It features a lot of garments that would be perfect for summer ... if the sunshine ever stays long enough. 

My favourite print this week comes from H&M. I saw this gorgeous dress in the window of my local store and am dying to get my hands on it. This beach dress has a stunning all over ethnic/paisley print in warm colours. Just pair with wedges and you're set for the beach!

I've been a fan of marble prints for a while now and even attempted to design my own marble print for a competition a few months back. And this Topshop shirt (2), which as I write this is currently out of stock, is a perfect wardrobe staple and great for updating your tailoring. I love the mix of grey, white, black, brown which is topped off my the baby pink stripes. It is a simple repeat but so eye catching and would create the perfect outfit in so many ways for day and night. 

Ink and floral prints are one of my favourite combinations. And this duster coat from Jigsaw (3) if perfect. I love the oversized detail of the marks and the blending of colours. The print isn't heavy, it is fresh and bold for summer and creates equal space. Overall, the print has so much easiness about it that sits perfectly on this garment. 

My final two prints from Reiss (4) and Zara (5) are both equally great. The simplicity of this print works perfectly for this style of mark making and can translate from crop tops to skirts to dresses so easily. It feels so easily yet elegant and passes off an overall sense of "buy me, spring is here".

Which print is your favourite this week?

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Inspiration | Marc Jacobs A/W 15

I am a big fan of William Morris designs and so I was thrilled when I discovered my latest freelance print theme was designing all over Morris prints.
I had a brief research in to this trend that took the runway by storm and was instantly inspired my the Marc by Marc Jacobs Autumn / Winter 2015 collection.
The colours range from browns, green, blues and reds creating an exiting colour palette for me to work from. The prints are so bold and stand out on the jackets, trousers and skirts that Katie Hillier and Luella Bartley placed them on.
I am just hoping my designs come out as great as these.

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Interior Inspiration

 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

As a print designer, I find it really important to not always be so focused on one area on the textile industry. The textile interior industry is an area of design I have always dived in and out off over the years. For my graduate collection, the beginning drawing process drew a lot of inspiration from the beautifully crafted prints by Bluebellgray. Fi Douglas, the creator behind the brand, established Bluebellgray in 2009 after graduating from Glasgow School of Art. Just like myself, Fi has a "love for colour and all things floral" which result in these gorgeously painted pieces which give your home a unique touch. 

The design philosophy behind the brand adheres to the ‘eclectic mix’ school of thought, encouraging the designs to sit beside vintage finds and modern design alike.

Each design is painted by hand in the Glasgow studio before being printed on natural cottons and linens. 

The printing methods used enable every brushstroke and colour to be captured, enhancing the feel of the hand-painted design.

The prints are colourful, eye catching and, overall, aesthetically pleasing. I would love to have one of her cushions on my sofa or bedsheets on my bed. I am really drawn in to this style of interior design, it is a style of designing that I love and miss the most. The prints have an essence of freedom with the running inks, loose florals and scratchy marks that are in elegant repeats. 

Head over to the website for more collections.

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Prints | Top 5

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

A colour mix of florals and texture graces my top 5 prints this week, which features a mix of perfect summer hits!

My favourite print is these brilliantly bright shorts from Topshop (1). I spotted these in my local store about a week ago and I was so eager to by them. The light fabric and elasticated wait is what I love in a pair of shorts and are great for summer heat waves and buckets of ice cream. The prints sums up the cut and fit of these shorts, very loose and fun. The print mix of a busy background and more spacious forefront print makes for an interesting variety. 

I have loved H&M prints for a long time, but since recently making myself search and create each week my top 5 prints I have noticed how H&M have become so advanced in their print designs. My second print is this beautiful H&M dress from their Premium Quality range. This print is also available in a swimsuit and trousers. At £100 it is quite pricey but is a silk woven dress and a piece that will stay in your wardrobe for quite a while. To me, the print feels fresh with sharpness of colour and sits so well on this garment which can be worn in so many ways. 

Zara is on my list again at number 3 with this summer sweet dress. It is a simple composition of colours, flora and fauna with a tropical feel. I was drawn in to this dress for the simplicity of the lines and colour, yet it has a sense of fullness because of the large scale print.
This dip dye cotton dress by Jigsaw (4) is so feminine and captivating. I was instantly attracted to the richness and various hues of colour. A colour hit in my book and one I must work with in a design at some point (a note to myself I must remember).
My last print comes from Miss Selfridge and this cute floral angel sleeve blouse (5). I was drawn in to the light colours and delicate detail. The print has a simple layering, which adds depth and colour. The blouse is great for the spring summer season and, of course, I love it because it is a floral print.

What is your favourite this week?

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Project | Intimates Print

Another project under my belt this week was researching and creating a Spring / Summer 2016 print trend for underwear and nightwear. And so, I came up with the theme Elegance. A theme composed of a soft base colour, bright core colours and a dark accent colour that all compliment one another. The prints range from being very busy to spaced out and half drop, straight or all over repeats. It was a very quick project but if I had more time I would wanted to expand on the number of prints I created and combine elements a lot more.

Below are the florals and leaves I hand painted with inks and watercolours that were then indexed in Photoshop. Indexing, for those who are a bit unsure what I mean by that, is where I have made the drawings around only 5-6 colours so I could easily select and fill the different shades of my florals and leaves. These were then made in to three simple prints that were inspired by the prints on my mood board.

As I stated in my previous project post, I love to put together design mood boards that show my prints to their full potential. I placed the prints on the best underwear / nightwear garments suitable from WGSN. I love seeing my prints on simple working flats and presented nicely, it makes the print feel to me much more successful and professional.

Designing the prints was something I got stuck in to and went in to frantic design mode. It was a lot of fun creating prints that I hand drew and brought to life in Photoshop just like I used to at University. 

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Project | Kidswear Print

I've been doing a couple of short projects this week. The first being this kidswear print, based on the theme of Scandinavian Forest. 

I hand drew the little fox and triangles but digitally working in to them on Photoshop and Illustrator. The pantone colours are all on trend as according to WGSN kidswear. I decided to place the print on working flats. As illustrated there are two tops (one has a grey marl fabric base) with the print on and a rusty pink neckband. And a cute little summer dress with a rusty pink frill around the waist.

It was quite fun doing kidswear and creating something different to add to my portfolio. I love putting together design presentation mood boards like the one below, which feature all the pantones used and the measurements of the half drop repeat.

One kid print down ... maybe time to do some more?

WGSN GARMENTS

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Alexander McQueen | Savage Beauty | Review

This weekend just gone I spent a very fun and busy day in London. I haven't been back to London since leaving after my placement ended there back in September and it was great to go back and visit. I felt quite excited about going back on a day trip and visiting old spots I went to when I lived there last year. Once the crowds used to be normal to me and I could easily work through them and on to a tube, but I found this time I was actually scared of busy London was. I do miss that London vibe though.

My reason for going to London was to see the Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty Exhibition with two good friends from University at the Victoria and Albert Museum  And I honestly do not think anything has left us speechless before ... until now. 

Sadly, you weren't allowed to take pictures, but this Youtube video below by Vogue explains and guides you through the exhibition. However, it does not do the exhibition justice. It is really something you need to see for yourselves. 

It starts off with a video of past runways shows and him speaking, which made us all feel a bit emotional. It's is hard to remember exactly which room of creations came first (probably should have wrote it all down) but they ranged from his themes such as animals, romanticism, tartan, jungle, a mix of his creations (including accessories and head pieces) and florals. I couldn't believe how up-close we could get to some of the dresses, you could literally smell the leather and feel the dire need to touch the fabrics, the animal hair, the embroidery. 

Each rooms interiors related to the collections themes and had different atmospheres. This resulted in royal musical tones, jungle overtones, golden baroque frames, misty glass stand stages, floral wallpaper and walls illustrated with bones. It was regal, romantic, exotic, sexual and emotive in the true McQueen form. 

My favourite room of all was the last one, which featured dresses and a video from his collection - Plato's Atlantis. The digital prints of this collection was amazing to see up close and inspired me so much to work harder on my designs. Alexander McQueen was never afraid to push boundaries and test his limits, which is something I really took away from this last room (and the exhibition as a whole). He put all his energy and passion in to this collection, which was sadly his last runway show. 

I think I speak for many when I say that Alexander McQueen was not just a fashion designer, he was an artist and a passionate creator. He thought so far out the box and brought every idea to life with structure. amazing materials and layering. This exhibition takes you from the very beginning of his career from the Central Saint Martin days to his last. I found the fact we got to see his journey quite emotional, and that fact he would never see how much and how many people appreciate and love his work. He has inspired many people in so many ways. How I saw the exhibition would be different from my friends, the people who saw it the same day as me and the people that saw it on other days. Listening to people overly review his work and try and get in to his mind and others who would quietly focus on the one creation before moving on to the next gave you a real sense of how different people have enjoyed and taken in this show. 

Overall, I came out the exit door with a thousand more questions than what I had about his work when I went in. How did he does this or that? What was his thinking behind this or that? It amazed me how many ideas one person can have and how you can truly bring them to live with hard work and passion. Sadly, we won' get to see any more of this ideas but the collections live on and stay true to the McQueen brand. 

If you didn't make it to the exhibition you can purchase the book on Amazon. Or visit the V&A website for more.

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Prints | Top 5

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

This week I've selected a range of prints that have all attracted my eye in different ways. 

I instantly fell in love with Zara's printed dress (1), that would be gorgeous for any holiday or picnic party. Instantly, I was drawn in because of the strong orange (a big colour this year) against the black. It has a touched of simplicity about it. When I looked closer at the print, I was interested in the roughness of the lines as it has that ragged edge to it. It isn't something that is overcomplicated but has a lot of depth.

Another Topshop print has made it to the list again this week (2). The overall mix of colours, scale and repeat. But, mainly, I love the print mix and the way they are easily all blended together. It's quite a fun take of the ethnic/African print mix that I have attempted a few times. Normally, I would be too scared to mix prints like these together, but maybe it is worth giving it ago after seeing that it can be successful (and quite funky) on a dress.

Number 3 is the H&M top I instantly fell in love with when I spotted this print in my local store. I couldn't take my eyes of the layers of colours, print, scale and repeat. Which, combined together, is the perfect tile meets floral print for summer. It is almost as if someone has got this print and delicately coloured it in with a gorgeous bright colour palette. It also comes in a maxi dress and straight cut dress. 

I decided to see what prints Oasis had in store this week and I came across this cute little summer cami (4). Of course, I love florals and Oasis always seem to fill their collections with bright, colourful pops of florals every season. The base colour of this cami works so well with the crisp floral repeat that looks perfectly painted (by Photoshop I can imagine). 

Being a fan of not only floral prints but abstract, inky prints too I loved these Reiss shorts (5). White and me don't have a good relationship, but these shorts rock this print so well. Its uncomplicated and a perfect summery print on the right garment. 

What is your favourite?

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Prints | Top 5

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

This weeks TOP 5 is very much a floral / inky one (two of my favourite themes).

My top print comes from Karen Millen and for the past few weeks since seeing that dress in the window of my local store, I have not stopped looking at it. I don't normally like dipped hems, but for this dress I will take it and (try) to rock it. The running fluidity of bold colours alongside the intense blue and green just makes this a perfect placement print.

The all over floral print from Reiss (2) is just visually beautiful and bursting with colour ready for spring. With hints of black and white florals that have a hand drawn feel balance out the water marks and loosen the intensity. The gorgeous 100% silk crepe de chine has been digitally printed and is also from Reiss. That fabric was one of my favourite materials at college and University and I would love to get my hands on this top, which also comes in trouser and jump-suit form. Wear it to work, a lunch date or even a party. It is one of my absolute favourites that will brighten up any wardrobe. 

I would never wear those Topshop trousers (4) as they are, for me, a bit too daring of a bottom garment. But, with William Morris prints rocking the high street, I couldn't help but be caught up by these beauties. The simple colours and running smoothness of such a print fits Topshops style so much right now. 

The inky loosen of print five is from a Jigsaw t-shirt dress that caught my attention. The loosen plays a big part in that attraction for me as it can denotes freedom and movement and very much reminds me of marks I used to make when drawing at University and for previous freelance designs. 

I've payed slightly more attention to a more luxurious side of the high street market compared to Topshop and my previous picks from other high street brands. I tend to fall deeply in love with stores like Karen Millen and Reiss every so often, dreaming endlessly of wearing this style of clothes and prints.

Which is your favourite? Would you pay more money for a little more excitement in a print or for more of a natural fabric?

Leave a Comment fabric, fashion, florals, inspiration, print, TCS, textiles

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