Rachel here! I just got back from an amazing program called 3 Days of Fashion, hosted by the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) in San Francisco.This experience gave me a chance to meet and work with awesome people who were all fashion-minded like me. These three days were a blast, so I hope you guys will enjoy reading what I learned and who I saw.
Here are some highlights from the 3 days, along with a style diary. (Click photos for high-res!)
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In the city, it's all about comfort and function (and still trying to look cute!).
H&M Jacket // Charlotte Russe Top // Hollister Jeans // dEliA's Boots // Forever 21 Necklace // Pacsun Bag |
In the first workshop called “Concept to Consumer,”
I used a collection of photographs as an inspiration for a Fall 2013 clothing
collection. My team presented colors, textiles, sketches, and the
inspiration pictures as a “concept,” or an idea. I loved working with my
teammates to create a collaborative collection that was original, creative, and
wearable.
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| Creating our concept - our table was a mess! |
Next, I attended a “Draping” class where my team created three dresses with three yards of fabric, a mannequin, and lots of pins. My team’s first dress was a partial disaster; the fabric was fringy and hard to work with. But we pulled off a dress that ended up looking great! (bottom left)
For our second dress on the top right, we used a
sequined burgundy sheer fabric. Our challenge was to drape the dress on the bias,
which made the drapes flow well. We shaped a cowl-neck, a V back, and lots of gorgeous
drapes on the sides and back. It was a challenge to work with unusual
fabric – but it was a good challenge!
In my last workshop called “Footwear Design,” I saw
how shoes are made. I even got to design my own heels, which were a summery
wedge with geometric print:
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| Watch out Steve Madden! (just kidding.) |
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Basic black with a pop of pink to make it interesting!
Split Coat // Gap Cami // Rockstar Pants // Dollhouse Oxfords // Forever 21 Necklace // Pacsun Bag |
Next, in “Promo Campaigning” we simulated a promotion
campaign for a clothing line. We designed a studio for a promotional photo
shoot as well as an event to promote the collection, focusing on neon, edgy,
and geometric shapes. We planned out all the details for the event - from the
dinner to the runway to the lighting!
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| Our photo shoot studio & the event plan! |
“Sketching the Fashion Figure” was a fast-paced
class where I learned how to sketch figures, outfits, faces, shoes, and hair.
Using the 9-headed technique, I developed a sketch that somewhat resembled a model:
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With and without an outfit
It is said that these models are simply
"pretty hangers for your clothing." To make them "pretty,"
the key things to keep in mind are proportions! As you can see from my sketch,
I need lots of practice!
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But the part everyone had been looking forward to was at the very end: a visit from Nick Verreos, the Project Runway season 2 winner! He’s so funny! :)
It was inspiring listening to his personal story and we even
got to see some of his dresses – ones he designed for Beyoncé and Katy Perry:
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Yes, the celebrities actually wore these dresses!
I’m so glad I attended 3 Days of Fashion at FIDM. It was an eye-opening experience that
was fun and educational. Maybe you can attend this program next summer and
experience it for yourself. Because in the words of Nick Ferreos, "No
shoulda, woulda, coulda. Just do it!"
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