Final Major Project & end of year Reflection

My Final Major Project was based completely on the rumour of the black Taj Mahal and incorporating my Indian culture in my work. The colour story mainly consisted of Black and Gold taken from the rumour that a black and gold Taj was to be built opposite the original one. It is said it never happened because it was too expensive to build. The collection is based on the love story, the opulence, shape and beauty of the Taj, with a very royal feel.

There were many problems along the way such as the stiffness of one of the gold fabrics I used and how tough it was to hand sew anything on it, but it was the only fabric that wouldn't lose it's shape with the amount of embellishment and sequins I attached to it. In the end the coat for the brochure shoot... it weighed 5kg!

For the first time I did not incorporate print into my degree work. It was another avenue I wanted to go down and I felt it was necessary to show technical making skills. I also enjoyed this a lot because I was very hands on and not constantly staring at a computer screen like I did for pre-collection. It seemed like a fresh challenge and I am very happy with the outcome!

Moodboard

Garment Spec

My final photoshoot had a very look book couture style to it. By that I meant one outfit for each image similar to have many couture designers display their work to their buyers and online like below. This is the feel that I wanted with my work so all the detail can be seen and the focus goes to one outfit and nothing is competition.

Final Images

Final image. Photographer: Diemante Meilune

Machine embroidered coat with sequin panels and velvet braid trim and bows.

Sheer embroidered coat dress on neoprene with embellished stand collar and embellished patch pockets.

Dress with panels of embroidery and laser cutting with embellished stand collar, sleeves and dress hem.

Lantern dress with laser cutting panels and large and small sequins.

Lantern dress with velvet braids, laser cut panel, large bow, stand collar and large sequins.

Coat with large and small sequins and fully beaded hem and neckline.

After completing my garments and receiving lots of compliments and after everything at Paul Smith, I feel very confident to go down the path of gaining more experience to do an MA with hopefully getting a job. Everything I have learnt from my degree has been very valuable, especially contacts, placements and feedback. Things I have done outside of college like public speaking and blogging have all helped towards the work I have done and given greater confidence.

I am also open to opportunities that may arise from New Designers and aim to build as many contacts as possible during the week that I am there.