Monday, 16 December 2013

Summer Project

Part 1


Review the ‘Top 10 Fashion Films of the Season’.

Select 5 music promos hat you consider could work equally well as Fashion Films.

Choose 5 films from show studio that appeal to you and write about each of them. 


Part 2

10 doorways
5 Walls



Part 1


Review the ‘Top 10 Fashion Films of the Season’.

1. Barneys New York fashion film “Wild things” :

Barneys New York fashion film “Wild things” takes a fun and unusual approach to showcase their Spring 2013 look book. The playful attitude of Kinga Rajzak (the model) really helps convey an energetic mood and atmosphere to the viewer through her interaction with the heavy bass soundtrack and playful illustrations featured in the film. Adding to the success of the film the collection is also very wearable despite the bold use of colour and pattern allowing the viewer to really connect with the film which is immensely important.  As a whole the film really fits the purpose of appealing to the customer yet it is displayed in a bright and creative way. 


2. Kenzo Resort 2013 Electric Jungle :

Mat Maitland’s brings a great sense of energy in Kenzo’s resort 2013 ‘electric jungle’. This can be seen through his vivid use of colour and bold pattern featured thought the film. Maitland also achieves this through an intense use of lighting and a heavy beat in the sound tack. These techniques may be seen as over powering however the contrasting naturalistic movement of the model allows a harmonious balance that leaves the viewer hungry for more. 


3. Lavin Summer 2013 Campaign :

The Lavin Summer 2013 Campaign directed by Terry Richardson exudes Luxury with a seemingly effortless style. An almost humorous approach is taken as the film is interrupted with a Skype call from Alber Elbaz who commentates on the “absolute dream”  he sees before him. The juxtaposition of having a informal Skype call with a high end showcase for a designer collection causes the film to be more relatable to the viewer and adds fun approach to the clean cut minimal ambiance trying to be created. A calm mood is created through the models slow naturalistic movement, blue toned lighting and the soft jungle themed music which is refreshing allowing the clothing to look highly desirable. 


4. Lane Crawford spring/summer 2013 by Nick Knight :

Lane Crawford spring/summer 2013 by Nick Knight is visually arresting. A static atmosphere is created though the stylized visual and audio elements. The models aggressive strut and digitally produced styling is seen to shatter creating a highly technical visual display. A strong fast paced techno soundtrack is also used to intensify the modern atmosphere being created. Overall the film is successful in captivating the audience with it’s stunning effects yet the Lane Crawford represents many designers and the clothing may not be seen as the main focus of the film. 


5. McQ Alexander McQueen Autum/ Winter 2013 :

Roger Deckker directed Alexander McQueen’s Autumn/ Winter 2013 menswear and womenswear collection. The film is broken with an unclear storyline which draws the viewer in. A power struggle is created through the models panic and sharp movement again focusing on the theme of uncertainty and fear. The styling understandably is simple and clean cut with minimal use of colour and focuses on texture. The music featured at the beginning is slow and there is a natural use of strings which then develops into an uptempo beat to engage the audience. This all leads to silence and a blank screen creating mystery and confusion.









Select 5 music promos hat you consider could work equally well as Fashion Films.

1. Miley Cyrus - We cant stop 
2. Iggy azalea - Murda Bizness
3. Robin Thicke- Blurred lines
4. Azealia Banks -Licorice
5. Beyonce - Countdown

5 Music promo’s that work well as fashion films

1. Miley cyrus- “We cant stop” 

Diane Martel directed Miley Cyrus music video “We cant stop”. This video has been criticized by the media for being outrageous and disturbing yet it works well as a fashion film as it is so visually creative and thought provoking. A rebellious and young mood is created through the sexual movements and exposure of her tongue frequently.  This mood is also created through the styling as it is very extravagant with heavy emphasis on the accessories and minimal coverage in the clothing. The video has caused a debate and challenged opinions through the content in a interesting and controversial way which is important in the success of a fashion film. 


2. Iggy Azalea- “Murda Bizness” 

Iggy Azalea “Murda Bizness” directed by Alex/2Tone would be accepted as a fashion film as it features young girls dancing and preforming to violent R&B rap lyrics creating an interesting juxtaposition. The decision to involve children creates a sense of innocence and vulnerability allowing the lyrics to seem less aggressive and more humorous. The sickeningly sweet pageant dresses complete with bright colours and diamond decoration relates to the flashy gangster lifestyle associated with the lyrics. It is memorable to the viewer as it is a less common projection of rap music yet it is still enjoyable to watch. Overall the film causes mixed opinion in a visually intriguing way.  



3. Robin Thicke- Blurred lines

Diane Martel directed Robbin Thicke’s ‘Blurred lines” video which explores issue of
sexuality in a fun and liberating way that is memorable to the viewer. It could work well as a fashion film as it explores social relevance and it includes interesting visuals combined with catchy up beat music. A lot of controversy has come from the models used in the film as they wear nude underwear/ very little clothing or clear pvc round their waists combined with very sexual movement throughout the performance which can be seen as risky. Another interesting feature about the film is the bold red text overlapping the images reading “#THICKE” and “#BLURRED LINES” this almost acts as a subliminal messaging to make the viewer remember the artist and song title which is unusual. 



4. Azealia Banks- “Liquorice” 

Rankin’s music video for Azealia Banks “Liquorice” focuses on the issue of race through the lyrics but it is also explored through the visuals. This allows the film to involve current social issues and still include stunning visuals. Rankin uses contrast to clash the heavy R&B lyrical content with the wild west themed styling which is thought provoking. The production is set in a desert which references the cowboys and indians racial conflict in the 19th Century which can be seen as a relevant factor to the video. Therefore a viewpoint and opinion is created from watching the film which is why it could potentially work as a fashion film. 



5. Beyonce- “Countdown” 

Beyonce’s “Countdown” video directed but Adrina Pretty could work well as a fashion film as it includes brilliant graphics and showcases clothing to a incredible and fitting soundtrack. The video involves diverse techniques ranging from stop motion film, overlapping images, use of silhouettes, repetition, fast forwarding and a few location changes which is visually appealing. Adding to this throughout the performance there were coloured backdrops, a bright and colourful wardrobe choice and an electric soundtrack that is remembered by the viewer. A energetic and flirtatious mood and atmosphere is created through all of these techniques allowing the film to remain in the viewers mind. 









Choose 5 films from show studio that appeal to you and write about each of them. 


1. The Royal College of Art’s MA graduate film:


The Royal College of Art’s MA graduate film by directors George Tsioutsias and Marlon Rueberg explores the concept of sexuality fantasy in a modern light captivating the viewer through powerful visuals. The use of a synthetic soundtrack intensifies the content creating impact on the viewer that this unfamiliar and that there is  a deeper meaning to what is being seen. The film ends with a tangled struggle of men on top of each other which contrasts to the previous image of a timid and gentle affectionate flirt between two figures. 

2. “House of Waris: the plumage necklace”


Quentin Jones produced “House of Waris: the plumage necklace” featuring the jeweler Waris Ahluwalia allowing a playful and fun approach to the film. This has been done through the use of soft pastel colours and neutral tones throughout creating a fresh and clean idea to be projected. Again the music used is very innocent and catchy illustrating a electric feel. The stop motion technique adds a bit more substance to the light hearted film which is important as a bit of juxtaposition is incorporated. The film is a non familiar way to showcase jewelry which makes it very enjoyable and interesting to watch.

3. Eastern Promises


Eastern Promises by Marie Schuller is a flirtatious and highly intricate performance. The beautifully embellished garments are cleverly displayed by the use of light in the film. With a heavy emphasis on shadows and flashes of light the detail can be seen clearly which is important in promoting the clothing. The asian models elegant hand movements also help to create a very luxurious feel to the collection. Liam Paton’s composition for the film insures the collection current with a catchy off beat and sinister tone allowing a less innocent feel. As a result a highly successful film has been produced.


4.“Film punk: Kinesis”


Penny Tu and Joseph Lally’s film “Punk: Kinesis” explores the theme of Punk in a less traditional sense.The film seems to have a storyline with the model beginning nude with a head piece constructed of flowers, it then progresses resulting in her body to be fully covered in flowers. The sound track also develops from having a modern feel to then involve birds, waves and more natural sounds conveying progression. To portray the punk theme nature has deliberately been used to contrast with the stereotype of chains and aggressive behaviors which is refreshing and as a result makes the film more memorable.  



5.“Punk: Untrue”


Nathaniel Brown’s concept for “Punk: Untrue” is a less common approach to punk yet it still conveys a sense of depth and frustration which can be associated with the movement. The performance shows a female figure lost in her thoughts, unsure of love, conveying depression through romance which most can relate to. The music accompanying the film helps intensify the feeling of uncertainty with a combination of different sounds such as wind, breathing, footsteps on the sand along with a soft piano which relates to the theme of romance. As a result the film leaves the viewer feeling emotionally impacted which makes the film so successful.













Part 2
Doors





















Walls















Love X


Sunday, 2 June 2013

Fashion of the future


Modelling.


After I was finished with the comms module I was asked to help out with some 4th year walk throughs which involved modelling their final collections. Hopefully these designer's will become a prominent part of the fashion industry. The 2013 Graduate fashion show is to be held on the 15ht of July at the Dovecot in Edinburgh.



Matthew Houston


Matthew Houston
 

Matthew Houston






Fiona Corse


Fiona Corse


Fiona Corse






Ashley O'Neill


Ashley O'Neill


Ashley O'Neill


Photos from HazzerOne Hazlee


After the walkthroughs I was approached by a few of the students to see if I wanted to become involved in their fashion films. At first I was hesitant because I had never done anything like it before but in the end I decided it would be interesting to be involved in some of the older students work and it would be a great opportunity to miss out on.

I am still to be sent two films but they will be uploaded as soon as possible!

 Fashion films


Matthew Houston  






Fiona Corse








Watch the video here...   Fiona Corse fashion film 2013 


I also worked with Emma Yuill creating a photo shoot for her final collection:



Emily Morton









Love X


Saturday, 25 May 2013

Central St Martins short course (fashion styling for beginners)

In 2011 I attended a fashion styling short course for beginners at St Martins where we had to create a photo shoot for a magazine with the theme 'primitive'.

We interpreted the theme as a new way to use materials so we began by thinking about recycled paper. I decided to create a dress made out of shredded vogue covers. Other members of my group made origami pieces made out of newspapers and magazines.

We decided to have the shoot in the old St Martin building(where the course was held) since the walls had been vandalised by previous students which created an interesting and unique location.




























Editing 



Final shoot layout 










Group photo


Photos Flavia
Edited Charlotte
Model Alia El Dandarawy

Love X