UNIT X | INITIAL INSPIRATION

I love creating work through serendipitous and laborious approaches, creating high quality and interest in my samples. My greatest enjoyment derives from time-consuming processes, giving opportunity to create unique patterns through drawings and embroidery stitch, allowing my personal hand-stamp to be apparent. In continuation of my Practice Unit, I have been considering how to develop my concept; translating natural forms/ surfaces into textile design. Inspired by the shoreline, and working with my original concepts of pattern, movement and light; I aim to continue to create a collection of heavily embellished samples for a fashion-based context.



The shoreline is extremely important to me; I love the concept that no two patterns produced by the waves are ever identical, with each having its’ own unique identity and beauty. Also, the state of mind whilst viewing their movements holds great inspiration; it requires repetition and a peaceful mind-set, both processes I play upon in my work. These are qualities that I intend to continue to include in my sampling throughout Unit X, through embellishment techniques such as beadwork and glass. I have broadened my inspiration to diversify my research, looking for similar pattern qualities found in places other than the coast. 

In relation to my final samples from my Practice Unit, I intend to push my ideas, finishing techniques and knowledge to create professional and highly developed finalised samples suitable for Haute Couture context. I find satisfaction researching the work of the greats- McQueen, Elie Saab, Valentino- couture collections produced with detailed surface qualities of intricacy and beauty. Haute Couture has such versatility; each collection differing drastically from the previous. I want to create this quality for myself. Creating a further dimension to my work through the material of glass is something that I intend on continuing. I do not feel as though I have had enough time to experiment and enjoy the possibilities of glass as a material yet. Linking to a Haute Couture context, beading is something that is continually seen and used in this subject area, so I shall be taking on the task of trying to create my own beadwork- something I have been advised will take a lot of patience and repetitive working- two things that I enjoy greatly.


I understand that I work best when surrounded by collections of ‘stuff’; acquiring physicality allows my thought processes to thrive and creatively decide on the qualities that I want to include in my samples. My starting research will take place through forms including fabric sourcing, photography, and visiting 'Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty' exhibition at the V&A.