will there be an end to sweatshops?

There are those who are pro-sweatshops and those who are anti-sweatshops so which view are you on? For me, I'm an anti for obvious reasons. Though these sweatshops provide a job for those who are unfortunate, it does not allow them to improve their lifestyle any. For one, the low pay is ridiculous and two, the way workers are treated are almost inhumane when compared to American workers. The work place there is strictly monitored. There is probably only one break for lunch and the rest of the hours are dedicated to finishing the garments in the quickest manner. Of course this is reality but must it be this way? Yes, sweatshops are beneficial to the buyers and consumers but does it all add up to what we want in the end? Because of sweatshops, our own people are suffering from finding a job to feed our own family because companies are relocating to other cheap laboring countries. We're sitting here pitying for families oversees who are working in these sweatshops but what about us? For this very reason, I am anti-sweatshops because there are other possibilities. People are always looking for the quicker way to do things but it always ends up digging us into a bigger hole. We never look at the picture entirely so we only see the problems as it arises but rarely of future happenings.

Art vs. Utility

Here, the Pringle of Scotland collection almost reminds us of walking canvases of art being painted on. Not only is this prominent in the clothing but also the design of the runway. Notice how the brush strokes in the floor resembles those on the apparel. A simple design with just a touch of art can make the collection appear more mesmerizing. That there is more that the designer wanted to tell us. It's another step to expression. In this collection, we see that though art is being used, it's not over-used and still works as a functional piece of of work.

In Versace's collection, very detailed graphics are printed on fabrics for the gowns. This shows how each little artwork can build up to form a finished look to an attire. This is a great example of being able to express art forms in fashion while making it wearable.

Here, art is used in it's most basic form; the use of geometric shapes. Geometric shapes are used to form patterns for the fabrics. Also, the choice of color is very well chosen in this collection. Overall, all designers are able to mix art and utilize it to make a functional piece of apparel. In the end, we see that art cannot be avoided when it comes to fashion. The need for creativity in art and fashion are equally used.

My Designs

Fashion Design Competition: During my senior year, I competed in a fashion design competition for the FCCLA Star Events program. I had to work from flat patterns but wanted to make it unique and something of my own. So my idea was to design a sportswear outfit but for the twist, I wanted to make the outfit suitable for the spring and summer season. In doing so, I decided to make a quarter length sleeve jacket with bermuda shorts. Since this is for the spring and summer season, I wanted to use a red pinstripe pattern for my fabrics. Many techniques were required and it was quite a challenge (especially those in the jacket). I sketched the outfit and also made a pair of earrings to go along. The Outcome of the Competition: I competed in the States level at the Greensboro Convention Center and won the gold medal and trophe and was advanced to the Nationals level. I was invited to attend the Nationals level taken place in Orlando, Florida. Finally, in the Nationals level, I was satisfied to complete the competition with another gold medal. To know that you're competing with everyone from every state was quite nerve wrecking but the whole experience was worth while. Here's the link to the website for the FCCLA program and competitions: http://www.fcclainc.org/content/star-events/ Prom Dress: This has to be one of the most difficult design I've made because for this outfit, I had to come up with the entire idea myself and draft it. This means that I'm starting this outfit from scratch. For a high school student who has only taken 2 apparel courses, it was quite a challenge. When designing this outfit, I knew I wanted something that was flattering for my body and the movement of the fabric had to be a resemblance to those of a chiffon material. Also, at the time, bows were the big thing so I thought that it would be a neat idea to include that in the dress. So with this idea in mind, I did a couple of sketches and came up with my final decision. I can't seem to find a picture of my sketch but below is the final product.

Ethnic Influences

Anna Sui's Spring 2009 collection 

was inspired by Egyptian's culture. 

Not only was it represented in design but colors as well. Though this is a spring collection, Anna Sui decided to go bold by mixing warm and cool colors instead of the traditional pastel colors that is usually seen throughout most spring collections. This collection also has a spanish influence with its unique and detailed patterns. Each collection piece had an accessory to complete each look.

In Diane von Furstenberg's Spring 2009 collection, we see an Indian influence through hair accessory that resembles a similar look to what we see in the Disney movie, "Pochahonas." This collection shows freedom in colors and how different combinations can bring to a great piece of design. The leather purses brings another addition to this idea.

Back to the past?

Of course everyone knows that fashion is a cycle that renovates and repeats itself and it surely shows in the latest fashion collection for Spring 2009. These designers had the same idea in mind and in a way, they all had similarities in their collection in that it somehow dealt with the past. With inspired looks from past decades, designers have transformed that into the new look for today's fashion. It's inspiring to see with the alterations in fabrics and design, clothing style combined from past centuries and today can seem possible and become an even more inventive collection. 

For instance here with Marc Jacobs collection, he had a mix with what seems like something from "Little House on the Prairie" and some influences with the japanese kimono by adding the bold waistline. In general, Marc Jacobs did a great job covering every aspects by combining influences from other centuries as well as countries. A job well done!

Then there's "Miss Sixties," almost Twiggy style coming to life again through Oscar de la Renta collection represented here. I can see these influences through the one piece dresses and jackets.

BRAVO to all!

THINK TWICE!

Organic clothing has grown on us all and is becoming 

more of a focus for many manufacturers. So is it really as great as it is being advertised for? I believe so. So the next question is why and what are the benefits? 

Organic cotton is softer than conventional cotton, therefore, it's major consumers are parents who are purchasing clothes for their infants. This is also beneficial for those who have many allergic reactions because these organic cotton does not consists of any chemicals. These chemicals like insecticides and pesticides have led to environmental pollution so with the help of these organic clothing, the amount of pollution can be decreased greatly. So it is believed that organic clothing can bring better health for consumers as well as being a major addition in environmental conservations. Products we purchase can either influence our environment in a bad 

or good way so the next time you're out shopping, THINK TWICE!

Though some may think that organic clothing can seem plain, but with the right accessory, an outfit can look incredibly cute. For instance, these hemp products like purses or bandanas with detailed designs can be just what you're missing in an outfit! 

 

Armani Privé

The open range of choices makes it difficult to pick "one" favorite designer but I indeed believe that Giorgio Armani has to be one of the nominees. The uniqueness to his designs are brought by the inspired men's wear. His clothing line serves a half masculine and feminine look. Though this is the case, he never seem to lose the feminine features to the designs. It is very difficult to have the two characteristics intertwine; yet he seems to manage it all and that's such an inspiration. An interesting fact that adds to this is that Armani also uses men's wear fabrics to complete these sophisticated jackets for women. Aside from this, he also has nice characteristics to himself in that he was among the first designers to ban models with a body mass index. It is wonderful to know that not all designers believe that every model needs to be a hanging stick.

The man that made it happen