Designing Shapes

I've been really busy finishing up on my designs. I really should be done with my first samples at this point so I am about 3 weeks behind on my schedule. And I am off to Vegas for a long weekend. Alas, I always work better when under pressure.


This is my first attempt at cutting out the organic shape of the neckline. I felt the shape was too small ....

This is my second attempt. I felt the shape was a little bit too odd, if that makes any sense.


I reworked the shaped a couple of other times. This is the progression of the development.

I decided on the last one, but kept all the other shapes taped to my worksheet in case I want to change my mind.

Oh, I forgot to mention that I got my camera in the mail a couple of days ago. Love the camera! I've been taking so many random pictures.

Fabrics and Colors

This is my color board for S/S '08. The story is "Lost Innocence". I didn't create a story board, even though it's one of the more fun things I like to do. I have just been concentrating on finalizing the designs. Thanks to everyone that commented either online or in person.

This is just the fabrication board from the textile supplier that I will be using. I've marked off the self fabrics I'll be using with the green tags, actually one of them is for lining, so I'll actually be just working with two different fabrications for self fabrics. The pink tags are the possible trim fabrics, those I haven't finalized.

My deadline is to get all the first samples done by the end of this month.

Public Opinion Part 3: Underdog

So these are the designs that didn't get that many votes, but I like them so they are being considered to be in the final collection.

Design 9

This actually got three votes, but was my favorite out of all the other designs that got three votes. All that rounded things on the neckline are embroidered applique chained together to create a neckline. Depending on the embroidery, it can be subdued or sparkly.

Design 10

This design didn't get any votes. I am not sure why. The bodice is a collage of different fabrics to create a graphic story. I am going to move this design forward and do a color rendering with fabric swatches, maybe people will like it better.

Design 11

This design got one vote, so at least one person likes it. I think the lack of votes has more to do with the drawing than the actual design. The back is suppose to be drapey with the lining showing. I am probably going to keep this design, but shorten the skirt.

So that's it, those are the contenders.

Public Opinion Part 2: Most Likely to Succeed

This group of designs each had 4 votes.

Design 3

This one is definitely in. I like the back detail. What you may not be able to see is that there are cords accenting the back opening. The front sketch is off. It's a bit more fitted than it is possible with a back like that. This one I'll need to drape to get a real look at the silhouette.

Design 4

Like I said before, people seemed to really like the rouching and gathering. I am undecided about this one. It doesn't seem to fit in with design 3 which I really like and it is a bit more ... how should I say this ... 80's prom dress? If I really need to I can see if I can tone it down, maybe get ride of the gathers at that skirt waist line.

Design 5

This is cute. A little Banana Republic. And a bit more fall/winter. Maybe I'll save this for the following season.

Design 6

I love this one ... I wonder who didn't vote for this one! J/K! I may take this and do a little bit more design development to see if I can evolve this into 2 additional designs.

Design 7

This design kinda goes with design 5. I think I'll just save these suckers for next season.

Design 8

This is very formal ... I think too formal for the group. I do like the bow detail, although I think right now, I would change it from a "stiff" bow to a "loose" bow. And maybe if I shorten it, it wouldn't be so formal.

Public Opinion Part 1: Most Popular

As a part of my design development process, I shared the 60+ rough sketches I have been working on the past month or so with some family and friends ... 5 people in total. I should get more opinion, but I need to move on. So this is a review of which designs people liked.

My purpose for doing this exercise is to step out of my own design bubble and listen to what other people have to say. Since I can get kinda sensitive when people criticize my designs, even if they something like, "Oh I love the skirt, but I don't really like the collar/sleeve/whatever", I asked them to just make a mark next to the designs they like or have a good first impression without saying a single word to me.

I welcome any votes you may want to cast. Just leave in the comments area something like, "I vote for design 2 and 10."

In this post, there are the two designs that all five people liked. Over the next few days I'll add the rest of the designs for a total of 13 designs.

Design 1

I was quit surprised at the popularity of this design because it is so simple. The idea is to have some really knock out trim that looks like a necklace holding the dress up.

Design 2

This design is cute. It seems like people really like the ruching and the gathers. You'll see more of that design detail in the next post where I'll showcase the designs with 4 votes.