botanical metropolis
For my final Fashion Design class project, we were instructed to produce inspiration books using photographs we’d taken ourselves. The central idea of the project is to study shape, form, silhouette, and proportion. I decided to use photos of the botanical garden from my last Hawaii trip and of plants around my home in Calistoga for my book, and combine them with my own drawings and collected decorative papers. We’re only a few weeks into the project, so I will definitely post more examples of my collage and art work in the future, but I wanted to give a sneak peek of what I’ve been working on lately.
I’ve been ruminating on the theme of my collection, and though it is subject to change, I’m envisioning a Botanical Metropolis: a futuristic approach to organic shapes in an urban setting; a dystopian society masquerading as a utopian one; a demolished city reconstructed in the heart of a jungle and overrun with flora. Suppressed idealism, perhaps.
In the weeks to come I’ll share more of the project as it develops, including fashion sketches, fabrics, finishes, details, and renderings. I will also be posting photos of my last project—six designs inspired by a country—in its entirety, from sketchbook to finished fashion collection. But for now, enjoy four original compositions of my own creation.
(Above, “Future Burnout”)
gushing
I’ve slowly but surely been reading through all my September issues (consisting of Elle, InStyle, Vogue, Teen Vogue, Vanity Fair, Harper’s Bazaar, 7×7, and W, shown above). Surprisingly I’ve tackled most of the magazines and am down to Vanity Fair, 7×7, and W, with which I’m more than half way through. In addition to the stunning shoot above (I love the shirt, and the hair!!), I thought I’d share a few photos of things that I’m excited about. This includes the golden Zina Kao necklace that I recently purchased resting comfortably on the page up top. I bought it in a Calistoga boutique called Zenobia; I used to work there, and visit frequently because it has a gorgeous assortment of jewelry, cute clothes and shoes, and other goods. If you’re ever in Napa Valley, I suggest you check it out; there’s also a great little café next door called the San Marco Espresso and Bake Shop, with ice cream, pastries, and (obviously) coffee.
