Happy Birthday

As I mentioned in my last blog post, our class hosted The Black Shirt Project: Fashion Show of Calle 4. It was very haggard and stressful, but it's all worth it since it was our final exam for CT 11, and for most of us, like me, it was our first fashion show EVER! I got to do the make-up for some models and suggested the nude lips (for girls)/gold lips (for guys) for the Rich Kids :> I think I can say on the behalf of my blockmates that the fashion show was a fun night and experience for all of us :)

CT 2015 rocked this night!

The first day as a 19-year old turns out to be the last day of my CT 11 class. As sad as it is, I know that this is the start of something bigger—bigger in terms of requirements, course number, and of course, dreams. Words cannot express how much I learned from this course and how thankful I am that I was able to be in this course. Before I was in CT, I would always think to myself, "Is this what I really want?" and never did I ask myself that this whole semester. This just shows how much I am truly in love with this course. What's great about it is that my whole family and barkada is fully supportive of what I want and what my course is.

I Refuse To Say Bye

Oct 14, 2011

I know last meeting was not really the last class for CT11. We will still see each other during the case study defense and finals fashion show. But there was something about last meeting that felt sentimental to me; not a sad sentimental way. See I hate goodbyes. I do not do well in saying them and leaving. I do not break out into tears but I sort of act awkward during those moments. But luckily last meeting was different. I did feel the sense of an "end" but I also felt that it did not matter because we have all become good friends already and an end of a class is definitely not an end of friendship and good times.

Creativity Overload: Print and Alteration

Oct 10, 2011

And I thought that previous week's report was already extremely informative but this week's report was like a tsunami of textile and garment treatment. The only tsunami that I do not mind being engulf in. My first thought of these two workshop is that it was fun. I did not expect it to be so meticulous. Printmaking and Alterations/Deconstruction are a true art forms. In fact we have been discussing Philippine Printmaking in my F.A.28 a few days ago.

I have learned so much from these past few weeks on how to construct or deconstruct clothing and I cannot wait to apply them. I am sure that once I do I will encounter a lot of miss steps and falls but that is the part of the learning curve. CT11 has answered to many of my questions that I had in the beginning of this school year already but it has also left me with more questions to ask regarding different aspect of CT. This class has motivated me to learn more like how a teaser trailer leaves one wanting to find out more.

Designers are Manipulative!

Oct 03, 2011

Yes, designers are manipulative...when it comes to fabrics/clothing of course. I have to say that this week's report on fabric manipulation is one of the most informative reports I had seen to date. It is not because it was our group's rreport but because through this report I have finally figured out how to construct my outfit for a finals fashion show. I have been thinking and worrying about it for weeks now. I was not sure what best suits my model's figure and how to form the clothing that suits her. After our report I have finally gotten answers to my questions and now I think I have figured it out. At least I hope I did. :)

While researching for our report I cam to a realization that fabric manipulation seem limitless. There are so many categories of manipulation and within those categories are more subcategories. It will probably take years for a designer to use up all these manipulation techniques and types; which is probably good because it leaves a lot of room for creativity. That can actually be proven from our class participation during our workshop. We have only presented a few of the method and types of fabric techniques and already our classmates have created a variety of designs with it.

It was a nice feeling to see their creations because in a way they have brought to life our report - from power point and video presentation to actual clothing.

Publicity Stunt

Being the head of the secretariat committee for our fashion show, I had to make sure that The Black Shirt Project had to get the publicity it needs. Since all of the models were not available last Friday, we just used 2 models for each shirt design for the shoot. I did the make-up (with the help again of my lovely borj, Zoe) of the models (well, more of contouring, except for Tina whose whole face I did) and took most of the photos. It was a fun night (except when it started to rain during the shoot outdoors), that Friday. I did so many things I never thought I'd be able to do. I got to do the make-up, take the photos, style the models, think of the poses—it was all surreal; they were all just dreams to me before.

Here are some of the photos from the shoot:

This is me doing the make-up for one of the male models

Doing some more make-up

I enjoyed doing this shoot so much! It got me so excited for the block's finals, and it sure did made me realize that Clothing Tech was definitely the right choice for me. I just love love love what I do kahit na nasisiraan ako ng ulo—which I surely think is normal when you're in love with something....or someone. ;)

Our Workshop

Last week, Neko Babies were in-charged of the workshop. And, we imparted some knowledge in clothing manipulation.

I, myself, loved our topic for it was dearly informative and timely for the fashion show. I was also so amazed how creative and brilliant my classmates are. Given only 2 hours to alter a shirt, they did a fantastic job.

I really hope that my classmates learned a lot from our workshop.

~jamie

Magical Mystical Ukay

[September 16]

Vintage, Thrift, Ukay, Pre-loved.

No matter what you call it, they are just pure love! Just seeing rows and rows of clothes, finding a treasure in one of those makes me tingle with excitement. Our CT 11 class went to Anonas for an ukay fieldwork.

Our task was to find an outfit based on the client profile that was given to us. We searched high and low for the perfect outfit, and thankfully we finished on time. I wanted to shop for myself, but unfortunately we had no more time and I had to return to UP. So sad. But hey, at least I found a great ukay site!

Some tips to remember when ukay-hunting:
-Dress comfortably. You'll be wading through tons of clothes and you don't want your clothes to get in the way.
-Bring a friend. Together you can help find what each one is looking for and thus, finish faster. Plus, you can be a combo when haggling for the price!
-Reserve, reserve, reserve. An awesome tip by our prof, Miss Kitty. If you plan on shop-hopping, reserve the ones you like on all the shops then compare the prices as you go. That way you can get the ones you want without regretting that there's a better one on the other shops.
-Bring the necessities! Snacks, water, and disinfectant. You might be exhausted as ukay shops aren't department stores which have air conditioning. Also, these clothes are probably unwashed so look out for dust, stains and smells.

Ukay-shopping is definitely a must-try for every girl in the world. The experience can never be replaced. Getting something you want and love for a fraction of its price is definitely a job well done.

~Jolens

Budget Week

Sept 26, 2011
posted on Sept28 then edited

Is it just me but does this whole week all seem to be about budgets? First was our class trip to Anonas and its related budget styling activity which I have to say is one of the coolest class activity there is. I mean when can you say again to your parents that your regular class schedule will be replaced with a trip to the ukay-ukay stores? My friends from different colleges are already jealous. But besides that cool factor, the trip to the ukay-ukay stores was a much needed activity because it forced us to apply what we have learned and challenged our styling skills. To sum the Ukay Challenge up, I still have much to practice on.

Second was the Budget CUToure, a night i will never forget. Because it was the night that I felt my legs and hands tremble from exhaustion. I came to help for the show later on that evening and was assigned to put make up onto two models and although my task was not as laborious compared to the others who were probably assigned to more models, the sudden jolt of me doing nothing to doing a lot of things in a quick manner made me tire easily. And the exam and report I did before the activity did contribute the exhaustion also. Despite such a tiring day I still look at it as a fun and fulfilled day because I got to help out on an issue that I believed in a way that I was most capable of doing at that time and got to experience what it was like to be behind the scenes of a fashion show, which a call "chaotic bliss".

Make Me Up

Sept 19, 2011

With such a small surface area, the face that is, one can be amazed how by simply adding make up can change the over all look of a person. This week's lesson on make up application procedure finally gave me the answers that I have been searching for so long, which is how to contour the face without looking like somebody in costume make up. Applying make up to oneself and others is extremely challenging. There is a fine line between naturally looking make up and obnoxious look ones and only a few people have those magic hands that can produce outstanding make up application.

Like previous lectures, the study of shape, this time face shape, is crucial to applying make up. I have learned that putting on make up can enhance facial features, correct flaws, and add glamor to one's look. But in my opinion it can also be therapeutic; in the same sense on how other people find it calming to paint, and more. It gives the make up artist the pleasure of practicing artistic expression in creating something beautiful and also giving those who are being made up the air of new found confidence and beauty. Also having make up put on you feels like a mini face massage. I for one felt that way as I was the one class volunteered to be the "demo face" for this week's lesson. :D

Buena

Shape Shifter

www.girlyeverafter.com

Sept 12, 2011

Unfortunately I was MIA (missing in action) when the topic about body shape was discussed, a topic I wished I did not miss but a splitting headache gave me no choice. I was left to search the internet instead. What have I learned? I have learned that I should not have missed the body shaped lecture and ultimately to avoid getting sick. But I did find some useful information regarding the different body shape and how to dress these body shape appropriately. From what I have read it is basically about emphasizing assets, diminishing excess, and highlighting the minimal.

A designer may produce colorful and innovative clothing designs but these designs will be useless if it cannot flatter any body shape. Studying body shape and how to flatter them is just as important as any other aspect of design. It will probably be the first thing we will think of when we are finally design professionals who are commissioned to dress a client.

Buena

A Collection Of Thought

William Rast’s fall 2008 collection (visual aid)

Sept 5, 2011

I have come to understand that critiquing a fashion collection is hard work although at first glance it had seem not. It is hard work because first one must familiarize himself or herself to the technical aspect of design and second one must not get carried away with the beauty of a collection's parts. Because in a way, in my opinion at least, critiquing a fashion collection is like deciphering the designer's artistic vision for that given season. Likewise while we learn to criticize the collections of others, we at the same time learn how to incorporate and communicate our ideas, stories, and concepts in our future collection. Therefore, runway shows are not just designer clothing on models walking up and down a platform. It is an orchestrated and detailed event. It amazes me on how even such small details of lines and the order the clothing's are presented can effect the harmony of a collection. Learning this makes me want to be more meticulous in everything i do.

Buena

Denise Opposes Budget Cut

If you haven't heard, the government is planning to cut the budget for SUCs (State Universities and Colleges) down by P146.6-million from last year's budget which is P23.7billion. The original proposed budget used to be P62 billion, and P23.6 billion is not enough for 110 SUCs in our country. (source: Philippine Collegian)

There was a 3-day strike last week here in UP against the budget cut. On the first day, my organization, UP ACTS, along with UP Kilos Na and the College of Home Economics rallied fashionably against the budget cut through a fashion show. Budget CUTtoure was all about the deconstruction of clothes; we had plain shirts printed with the anti-budget cut logo, and we cut-up the shirts.

Budget CUTtoure Poster

The anti-budget cut logo

I actually wanted to submit a shirt, but there was more than enough anyway, so I just helped with the make-up team on the day of the fashion show. It was actually my first time to do the make-up for the models in a fashion show, AND I WAS SO NERVOUS!!!! Mainly because it was my first time, and I'm kinda scared of the uperclass men. TT-TT Good thing my gorgeous borj, Zoe, was there to help me (she's took classes and can be considered a legit make-up artist :> ). My bebe, Boo, was also there, but she really didn't need much help from me and was independent in doing the make-up of the models (nohks naman! :> ).

I watched the fashion show in front of AS with my borjes Zoe, Pat and Cams, then we had dinner in Ersao after! MISSED A LOT OF BORJES THAT NIGHT, but oh well `twas fun still. :]

I cut-up 2 shirts for that night, actually. One for the model (supposedly) and the other one was for me. I deconstructed mine at the last minute (HEHEHE), but it turned out really well :)

With my other sexy borj, Pat

This is my favorite part of the shirt :3

This is how the back of my shirt looks like

[Photos with Pat are from Zoe. Thank you, borj :* ]

The (free) printing of shirts is still ongoing until October 5, so have your shirts printed and deconstructed, and join us as we rally for a higher budget for our University and all other state universities and colleges in our country!

(cross-post from my blog!)

The Coming End and the Ill-fitting Jeans

The end is near but not for the world but for our ct 11 class. Such realization came across my mind during our last lecture from Ms. Kitty. Nonetheless, there are still more to accomplish- work book, workshops, case study and the class fashion show.

Aside from the very sad realization, previously we had a mini class fashion show. I am so happy by the way our look turned out to be ( not to mention the fresh-from-the-laundry clothes, ill-fitting jeans and rushed catwalk venue). Also, "bravo" to the make-up artist of our model which is us for the making our model, Buena, look even more prettier. Overall, all was well for the previous week that have passed.

~jamie

Ukay Adventure

Ukay-ukays are the hottest spots to shop. Here you can snag branded clothes for more or less a 100 bucks. But forget the branded clothes, ukay-ukays are clothing havens whether you snag a branded one or just branded thrifted clothes (after wearing them). That is why for our previous meeting in CT 11, Ms. Kitty made our week by letting us wander in Anonas, the ukay-ukay district in Cubao.

Class in an Ukay, how cool right? But don't get us wrong, our mini adventure in ukayland is all an educational excursion. There, we were to accomplish a task, a challenge. We have to buy clothes for the look assigned to us. The limit to complete the outfit is Php 500.00 which I think is reasonable enough (even more reasonable if we dressed-down a little more and bargain harder). Extra points will be given to the group who finished first and who spent the least amount of money. Sounds easy? Yes but it also depends on the look assigned. Poor us for our look is really challenging that we actually finished last (I think) and spend a little bit more than others (Php 400+). Overall, that day was really fun especially because I did some side-shopping.

~jamie

Color Me Naturally

[September 14]

Makeup. Just seeing pegs of girls painted in colors hypes me up. I remember when my sister and I played with mom's makeup. We powdered ourselves white and played with the lipstick. Lo and behold, we were clones of Queen Amidala (Star Wars). That was our first venture with makeup.

As I grew up, I learned how to properly apply makeup by reading magazines and watching tutorials. I dreamed of getting all those expensive products and trying them on. I was totally hyped.

But after watching Miss Kitty do a demo on makeup, I realized that you really don't need to be brand-savvy. Cash-strapped people like me can always find cheaper alternatives but still have good results. Just remember to invest on the basics, such as brushes. Also, be careful to stay away from lead-laced makeup. One simple way to test if you're unsure is to take a bit of the product, then rub it on gold jewelry. If it turns black, then it's positive.

I wasn't able to try applying makeup, but I became the model. My partner was Janelle, and she did a great job on making me pretty! She shaped my eyebrows nicely, and as Miss Kitty said, pwede nyang maging sideline ang pagkilay. Hehehe. I somehow appreciated myself more after taking a good look on the mirror. I really liked my makeup that day because it looked so natural and it emphasized my brown eyes.

Next time, when I do my own makeup, I'll keep in mind the reminders that Miss Kitty taught us. There are certain colors that suit the eye and skin color, and there are techniques to different face and eye shapes. I'm looking forward to our high fashion makeup next meeting!

~Jolens

Make Me Up

I've always been a kikay girl. I am easily fascinated with all the kalandian and abubots. I remember playing with my mum's make-up before showering at night--and my mum always wondered why I took so long in the bathroom! Overtime, I learned how to apply make-up from experience, magazines, Youtube tutorials and of course, my mudra!

I'm not an expert on applying make-up, but I do know a thing or two. That's why I was so grateful for our CT 11 class on make-up. The "no make-up make-up look" is hard to achieve for me. Maybe it's because I don't conceal bumps, define my eyebrows nor put eyeshadow, and I rarely put on any lipstick (this is on a daily basis, okay?), but I do put on blush everyday. I learned and I re-learned so much stuff last meeting! The best part was, I got to put on make-up on my partner, Jamie, and I think I did a pretty good job (just fix the eyeshadow and the blush) like what ma'am Kitty said :]

Now, I can't wait for our high-fashion make-up tutorial! :D

Things I realized with Make-up

With our new topic, make-up, I realized many things. Number one, I realized that I have dry skin. Yes, a dry skin which is a result of skin asthma + changing weather + frequent walks under the sun. Second, make-up should not alter but enhance the face. Make-up can do some cover-ups such that of pimples, wrinkles, dark spots and etc. Nevertheless, make-up should not cover-up the whole face. Thirdly, I was amazed how good was Ms. Kitty in doing make-up. I loved that she pointed out that, we, as clothing technology students should have a know-how in doing make-ups. Lastly, I realized how pretty is Buena especially with make-up on.

~jamie

Illusion and numbers

Last meeting, we tackled sythesizing principle in class. Our lesson consists of topics about proportion, balance and scale. Through these new things I have learned, I realized that fashion involves math and illusion. Math because you can use it to achieve proportion and scale especially in garment construction, and illusion because you have to guide the eye to view proportion, balance and scale. Through these topic, I saw greater understanding why we need math in our course. With a deeper reason, I'll find greater understanding.

~jamie

Organized Creativity

(29 Aug 2011) sorry for the late post

I was once a control freak. I want everything in order. Being an OC has its advantages such as getting things done. But, I realized that being an OC restricted me from taking chances, so I became more liberated from the step 1-z girl.

Just lately in class, we learned to do mood boards and story boards. With that, I realized that I can still be organized and creative at the same time. Being creative need not be messy. Besides, people can grasp your ideas more easily if they are well-presented. Presenting your ideas with a hint of some organization/balance/proportion does not always equate to being boring. Just like our prof once said, "You just have to mix the ingredients".

~jamie

Principles to Live by

As Clothing Technology students we probably often ask ourselves whether certain things and situations are right or wrong - whether we consider them appealing or disturbing. After all soon it will be our job to determine trends and create them. Our class' latest lesson about design principles gave me the realization that clothing design is not only about what makes certain garments interesting and eye catching but also about why or how it is so. The "why or how" is important because it enables us to identify great design over bad ones and therefore ultimately guide us in making appealing designs by showing us how to properly manipulate elements of visual design for our preferred effect.

This reminds me of one of the blogger featured at the ACLE hosted by CT students. He said that he was initially hesitant to be a fashion blogger because being so he needed to have the proper knowledge about the fashion industry, garment production and design. I agree with him. Fortunately for us we are being educated on the very things that he was not formally taught and I think we should take this lessons for granted instead we should live by it.

Blog it out!

I love learning new things, gathering facts. And, I find the internet as a big informative vortex of knowledge. Nontheless, I was not that fond of blogs , especially, fashion blogs not until last Thursday, ACLE day.

The main reason why I didn’t love fashion blogs is because I find it so tediously vain. Don’t get me wrong. I love fashion, I really do, but I don’t find the relevance of showing the world how do you look and feel today: esp. the ranting part. Gladly, my mind now is more open. All thanks to the amazing speakers or should I say, amazing bloggers/designers that graced ACTS’ ACLE, I was freed from my negative mentallity regarding bloggers. Who knew that it only takes a Camille Co to help me realized that there is more to fashion than just vanity blogging? I can really relate to her especially because she graduated with a degree in Management. I, myself was once a lost soul studying business management. Now, I can say to myself, that studying business management for some time was not a waste of time at all. Camille Co said, “ I am not just a designer, I am an entrepreneur as well”. Like her, I will use my business wits to great use. She also proved to me that you don’t really have to be a party animal 24/7 to be recognized by the fashion industry. The important thing is you got to have talent and perserverance , and some balls, to up-notch the game. I quoted from Mean Girls 2, “ To win the race, you have be in the race” so, YES I WILL!

~jamie

Color me Happy

August 15, 2010

I love colors. It makes me happy. I know that seem to be such a shallow thing to say but for me its not because frankly it is true. In my opinion people always gravitate towards color first among other things. Maybe it is a form of intuition? Even in our childhood we always demand colored picture in the books that we read.

I acknowledge the fact that lines do express certain feelings like power, stability, and others but an idea or design cannot be complete without color which imparts a wider range of emotions. Our class discussion about color left me with a deeper understanding of the power color have. Color is such a symbolic and therefore communicative element of art and design. Because it represents people's emotions and also influence it. As designers, who communicate our ideas through our design and also use it to satisfy our client's expectations, color is a valuable and essential design tool to us, a tool that we should always use to our advantage.

Your so Moody

August 22, 2010
(today)

Finally! We have reached the topic I have been waiting for three years and I am not exaggerating. Three years ago I found out that I have been accepted at the University of the Philippines Extension Program in Pampanga for BS Business Management, a course that I knew will be useful but was not what I initially wanted. So in the attempts to hone my design skills and not loose it amidst the Business Management studies I was going to have, I bought a book entitled "200 Projects: to get you into Fashion Design" by Tracy fitzgerald and Adrian Gandon. Among its projects was to create a mood board. It was one my favorite projects but it was difficult to do. I knew I needed help or rather a lesson beyond what the book was telling me.

Last week, I had finally been thought of what I was searching for. Studying color & texture; and applying it to mood boards is such a significant design process. It gives our design clarity and substance. It also shows as the importance of presenting and getting ones idea across. More and more everyday I feel more of a designer and less of an amateur sketcher with the lessons we have been studying specially this one.

I Feel Blue and Maybe a Little Yellow

This is such a late post! The fashion bloggers made me realize that I still have a blog to write. HAHA! Anyhoo, here it is:

Colors have never been as colorful as they ever were since last week's lesson. Don't get me wrong, though, I've had past knowledge on the psychological effects of color, but F'ed Up's report was a reality check that there are actually a lot of meanings and psychological effects of color, and they're sometimes, if not always, contradicting. I think it's insightful how colors have effects on people, and ever more insightful how these colors represent something different per culture.

I think it's a must for designers to have a knowledge on colors because each color somewhat serves a purpose. Designers should know the culture of his/her target market because, well, if he/she disrespects the culure, deads ang career niya. It's really helpful how this lesson gave me more knowledge than what I already had. As usual, all things learned will always be applied in our future careers in the industry. :)

Color, Love And Childhood

Crayola was my very first medium ever. It showed me how creative I can get with colors. Painting the walls, my mother’s wooden furniture and that newly bought refrigerator was then my favorite art activity. Hardly, most of my childhood was about colors: dying barbie’s hair with pink, spending summers in art camps, painting pots, frames and my nails on weekends and doing other colorful activities. I was very much inlove with colors that I frequently change favorite color and got tired of having one. Later on, I settled on white, black and grey, neutral colors.

Last week’s dicussion brought back my love for color. I became interested once again with the infinite possibilities that color can give. I came to realize that color affects us physically and psychologically. Wearing grey most of the time could have contributed to my frequent glumness. From now on, I will spread love and color.

~jamie

Illusions

quickie post!

lines, lines, lines. the magic of lines.

as clothing technologists, we should know how to use this basic element to manipulate the vision. although horizontal lines and vertical lines widen and lengthen, it also changes effects when you space these lines differently.

~Jolens

Optical Illusion

When we made our plates last Friday, I needed extra eyes to judge if I have created the right illusion. Design exercise #3 specifically made me feel blind! I thought it was just my eyes acting up on me, but it was really the illusion the lines made.

According to The Free Dictionary, an illusion is "the condition of being deceived by a false perception or belief." This lesson made me realize that as designers, we can fake these perceptions just to be able to satisfy customers in the look they want to achieve. I've had a previous knowledge on vertical and horizontal stripes, but my previous knowledge was fed with more knowledge. Horizontal stripes can also make someone look thin instead of wider, and the same with vertical stripes. I now know what patterns would make someone appear taller, slimmer, fatter, and all others, so I know what patterns I would use and what I would avoid.

I'm in Shape!

I once encountered a funny statement shirt worn by a chubby guy. Printed in front was the phrase "I am in shape!"; on the back it said "CIRCLE is a shape". I have to give it to the guy he had a clever way of interpreting what is "in shape". I can't help but remember this during last week's discussion about the importance of line and shape interpretation. I sincerely appreciate learning about these design elements, principles, and foundation because it makes any design clearer and sensible.

I believe mastering these specific design lessons would prove to be advantageous to aspiring clothing technologist, like myself, because we can incorporate it in our design in such a way that it serves the different needs of our consumers specifically their body form. For instance a petite woman would like to appear more slender or taller, manipulation of lines in her clothing can help cater to that need.

Buena

Facades of Design

July 1, 2011
(apologies for the late post)

In my opinion Clothing Design should have a balance of functionality and non-functionality. After all fashion design is the celebration of life, it's beauty and emotional ups and downs, but fashion design should serve life itself. That is why I am set to have career in design. I cannot think of any better profession because it is a profession that enables me to be as creative as I want to be and at the same time allows me to improve improve people's lifestyles. There is no doubt that I want to be a designer.

But what kind of designer is a completely different question and quite a hard question to answer in fact. At the moment I am in a phase where I want to explore all facades of fashion may it be couture or read-to-wear. I am just so excited to finally be a part of a world I wanted to get in for so long. Wanting to explore all kinds of design is sort of a way for me to pin point my fashion specialty. Experiencing all kinds of design will make me see where I fit most. For now I am still searching for my fashion identity.

Blood, Sweat, and Gliters

July 25, 2011
(apologies for the late post)

I have to admit that the reason why I got lured into designing is my fascination with the artistry that is put into clothing. I often think of clothing as a means to transport a wearer to a different time, place, state of mind, or at most to make them feel different; like how a long flowing silk dress can make a woman feel sexy and in control or like how a vintage dress can remind the wearer so much of the past. Yes, the whimsy and the bigger than life quality of fashion design is hard to resist. But since I do acknowledge its artistry, the effort placed in making clothing, made me feel I understood its workload.

I was wrong. The designing and production of clothing is far more complicated and laborious than what I previously viewed. This was greatly stressed by the week's discissions and testimonials of practicing designers. Along with that realization, I have also realized that I still have a lot to learn. Despite these new realizations of how much hard work is needed in this career path and how far off I am in learning everything about it, I will most definitely still peruse it because one cannot quit love. ;)

Buena

Cooking Style

Previously in our class we tackled design elements. It was so fun learning about lines, shapes, texture and the likes. I also appreciated how all these are very similar to cooking. I love how our prof, Ms. Kitty, made a simile of design elements as the ingredients and design principles as the procedure. And overall, it seems like you just have to mix everything to make the perfect dish, I mean the perfect clothes. With all the knowledge I have acquired this week, I had a greater value on education may it be on fashion for knowledge is everything. And, I will use it to conquer the world.

~jamie

Design between the Lines

This week we discussed a lot about fashion, but what interested me the most were the meanings behind the lines, spaces and the shapes that we use for designing. They are symbols that we can use either to conceal or enhance some body parts thus creating optical illusions. I realized that when we choor style or fashion, these our clothing, we don't only showcase oure are messages that we can also convey using the patterns or designs of the clothes we wear.

The difference between form and style also became clearer to me after the discussion. Knowing these elements of design will help all of us to determine what will work for us and we will be able to use them more effectively. We had a rundown of what we will be learning about patterns, color perception and other design principles, I'm so excited to apply what we've learned.

It's also great to get tips for getting inspiration and it's encouraging to know that there is no limit to our imagination. We just have to translate them to our designs.

Fulfilling the Dream

This post might be a little delayed, but I think the topic we discussed 2 weeks ago is very relevant. A lot of people think that people who study to enter the field of fashion will only make clothes that will satisfy our own emotional and aesthetic needs, and this has to be changed. First of all, not everyone is studying just fashion. Second, we, Clothing Technology majors, aren't just inclined to do one thing, and I think that's the greatest part about our course.

 

I have a lot of dreams that I want to come to life after I graduate, and one of them is starting a clothing line. Growing up, I found it hard to buy nice clothes because they were too expensive for me. I guess I took this as a sign that this country needs affordable (yet fashionable) wear, and I could be that person who'll cater to people's clothing esteem need.

Last week, I was asked, "When you die, what mark would you want to leave in this world?" It took me days to realize that the mark I want to leave behind is being able to make fashionable clothing accessible to those who can't afford to buy them.

The Aesthetic Button

According to the test pasted on my croquis book, I am an aesthetics person. Oh, really? I was dubious at first but after a moment of mulling over, I realized I really am. If there was a pleasure button in front of me, the 'Id' in me would keep pressing it.

Aesthetics, literally meaning 'feeling', is the shaped feeling and sensitive perception of things. The lack of it is called anaesthetic. Applying this to clothing technology, aesthetics is the overall perception of a look. The feel, the smell, the taste, the sound and the appearance. It is one of the most pleasurable parts of designing clothes as it includes indulging the five senses (well, four if you exclude the tasting part).

Maybe this is why I am so attracted to Alexander McQueen. His aesthetics have such a great impact that it leaves my senses blown away. The way it looks and probably feels (I have never felt a McQueen piece before) gives a surging feeling of pleasure. So does Betsey Johnson's works, but on a lower level. They are colorful, but they look too glossy and polished, the texture disappears. This critique is biased by the way. Hehehe.

I realized that in the future, I will be using aesthetics as an essential guide for creating clothes. I am particularly drawn to scents, because the other senses have been there for a long time but creating scents and incorporating them to clothes makes aesthetics a whole new topic to explore again. Hey, I got an inspiration for a new design! :)

~Jolens

Taking Double Takes

Thinking about everything we have learned this week, i realized that being a designer is not all glam. When I watch designers on TV it seemed that they are only concerned about the creative process, but like what we have discussed, it is only a part of the whole process. It got me thinking of what field I really want to be a part of. I love designing but the whole production process seems so vague for me. But, I'm still excited to learn things. Maybe, I just need to know what to do and get the hang of it. But it's still great thinking that being enrolled in this curriculum will prepare me for other fields of clothing and I have a lot of opportunities.

I realized that being a designer means to be a lot of things, it is not only about being creative, we have to develop skills and improve our weaknesses. Our lecture also opened my eyes to the categories that I can choose from. For now, my eyes are set on designing clothes for women and what I usually are for formal and casual wears. But I am so intrigued on designing for lingerie and sports wear. I'm so excited to learn more!!

The Dilemmas of a Designer

Yes, I am late in posting. I forgot. Apologies.

After the lecture last Friday, I was baffled by the lengthy process of designing clothes. It's almost impossible! A month would not be enough to finish all of those if there's only one person working. If a one-man-team would do all of this, a year would (probably) be the minimum to be able to finish all of those. But looking at the famous designers today, most of them started as a one-man-team. They had the potential and attitude to do it and they are deserving of what their statuses are today. I may have a few flaws here and there, but I will strive to polish them and turn them into strengths. Hopefully I will rise like them.

~Jolens

I think, therefore I am a Great Designer

"I think, therefore I am" is one of the greatest things I learned from Rene Descartes, the mathematician behind the Cartesian Coordinate System. It helps me to focus on my dreams, my goals. So, I think, therefore I am a great designer. I think, therefore I am a successful one.

Unfortunately, this very good psycho-quotation only helps me to keep my mind set on my goals. Reality strikes, it will not hasten time nor magically make my dreams come true. So as an aspiring fashion designer, I have to work on it.

I strive to be an excellent fashion designer for I will conquer the world with love and fashion. As a fashion designer, I will make masterpieces that would help people express themselves and not change them. I will make a change through helping my fellowmen by giving them jobs. I will also contribute to global development through innovative and environmentally sustainable designs.

As a designer-in-trainning, my strengths are being creative, idealistic, organize and resourceful. I can also use my assertiveness and competiveness in this industry. For now, I find that my only weakness is time management in which I am already trying to resolve. Although I am quite confident as a person, I believe that I have to amp up my guts because fashion is a very competitive world. I have to fully believe in my self before others do.

My main target will be Haute Couture. But later on, I would also like to expand it to RTW so that everyone would be able to afford and appreciate the art of dressing. It is also a dream of mine to make children's clothes. Mainly, I want my masterpieces to touch lives in one way or another. As Kimora says it, "It is a world denomination".

I am still at my starting pace. But sooner, I will be there

~jamie

It is About Making Innovations

July 18, 2011

When I was young, my perfect perception of fashion was barbie. I thought it was only about the glitz and glamour. Fashion for me then was always interconnected with being on stage, may it on the runway or the limelight. I come to think of it, it might be the reason why I loved joining programs and being the muse. But, fashion is not only about that. Yes, maybe a portion of it.

Last Friday, Ms. Kitty showed us some videos about certain fashion innovations. There was one designer who focused on remote controlled fashion. Another one focused on fragrant emitting mood sensor clothing. And there was many more. Due to that, I had a greater realization of what fashion is all about. Fashion is about innovations. Innovations to better express ourselves. It is about technological changes to help us be more equipped in facing daily tasks. Sooner or later, there will be many more ideas that we will be wowed and used . And when that time comes, when there is evident fusion the worlds of technology and fashion, I will be one of those who will not only adopt to change but I will make one or even more.

~jamie

Hi-tech Fashion

I was never aware of the applications of technology in fashion. My perception of fashion was just what we usually see on TV. I was amazed by how innovative clothes can get. It was very interesting to watch videos where you see new designs intertwined with engineering. I learned that there are a lot of opportunities in this business and that ideas will never run out. I also realized that fashion really reflects our physical and social environment. These new designs are the responses to the continuous growth of technology.

Stalking Fashion

July 18 2011

Last week I have done the oddest thing I have ever did in my life. That is to ask complete strangers for their pictures. The pictures were for our CT11 presentation of the different subculture in different locations. It was nerve racking and not to mention embarrassing but ironically at the end of the day the activity had boost up my confidence. Knowing that I just went through an activity that is incredibly out of my comfort zone made me think that I am capable of performing uncomfortable tasks.

All the presentations given at the class were helpful in terms of proper presentation delivery, consumers, and their response to certain styles. I have observed a theme that was present in almost all of out presentations. The theme is comfort in fashion. Through the testimonials and observations presented, consumers nowadays prioritize comfort and functionality in their clothing. In some ways it true that its all about location. For example in the Eastwood setting, were one can find multiple business and entertainment establishments, young professionals choose to wear a somewhat casual to corporate attire. The interaction between fashion and culture is fascinating and there is so much more to learn!

Buena

Style and Trend

July 11 2011

I have realized that trends are inevitable. There will always be an IT garment that everyone would want to wear. But what I dislike about trends is that sometimes originality is being thrown out of the window and then fashion posers sprout out of nowhere. I would rather be a trend setter than a follower. It would not be a surprise to tell you now that I am more into style because it is more personal compared to a trend that can be mimicked so easily. But as our class defined our own many definitions of what style is, I realized that I yet to have a full grasp of my true style. It easy to determine what i like and dislike. The thing is I am fond of so many things. In some days i can't get enough of vintage clothing. On the other days my jaws drop for modern designs. Maybe it is because I'm young. So many things are new and wonderful to me. But now I have the conscious desire to find the style that suits me, a style that represents me best. So right now I am searching and learning. Also hoping that at the end of this semester I have improved my sense of style.

Clothing captures a part of who we are

July 4 2011

I have always thought of fashion design as the reflection and interpretation of culture and society. Little did I know that I was missing a crucial part of what fashion is or rather how certain fashions came to be. Fashion in not simply a piece of sewn fabric that people purchase simply because they find it amusing but because it satisfies our human need; a human need that is as important than anything else. It is the need to express ourselves - to express what we think we are and what we want others to think.

The funny thing is despite how hard we express ourselves through our clothing we still cannot completely show our full identity with one outfit. After all, we play different kinds of roles in our everyday life and we cannot wear everything at once. Also, different people can have different interpretations of a single object. Therefore, we cannot exactly judge a person by what he or she wears. Because whatever outfit he or she may wear at the moment, it only captures one side of his or her's persona. I experienced this when i dressed up as a secretary. Everyone was quick to think that I was in corporate attire. They were right. But it was confusing to identify me as a secretary or a lawyer. Despite of these, clothing cues/clues can still make a difference. By knowing part of an individual's persona one gets to be a step closer in understanding that person.

Clicking at Greenbelt with Style

Last Friday, our group reported about the different fashion tribes based on malls in Metro Manila. It was fun telling the class our experiences. While doing research, I was so shy I couldn’t even walk up to a person to ask for her picture! I was lucky to have my mom tag along with me that day; she was my biggest source of moral support. Soon enough, I was running and tapping random people to ask for their picture. At the end of the day, I was a bit shaky but hey, I did it! I finished my part. I walked around Greenbelt with newfound confidence and experience, because as researchers, we should not be ashamed of what we’re doing. In the future, I will probably do this again so I have to be bolder next time.

Some friendly advice: Dress up as the person you want to be identified as. I wore something that would make people instantly identify me as someone knowledgeable in fashion (let’s pretend that I know a lot), so I wore clothes that catch attention but properly styled. It worked (people really believed me), but of course, the personality completes the look. ♥

~Jolens

Preferring Style

Once in our life, we have dreamt of being in style. But coming across a realization, what we really wanted then is to be in with the trend.

As I can reminisce, there was a time in my childhood years when light emitting shoes were so fascinating. I have to say that I myself craved for the amazing pair of shoes. I was an annoying kiddo who acted like a sales clerk in order for my mom to give in to her precious little girl’s request. Yes, I had what I wanted and I flaunted it to my classmates. But, poor me, I had outgrown the shoes in less than a year. I outgrown the shoes sooner than the trend did.

It was not long since that instance when I decided to disregard fad and develop my own style. I now realize how unfashionable the shoes are. Not all that glimmers is good for the eyes. I come to know that being in style is better than being trendy. Everyone can be stylish while following a trend but few can be followed for having a sense style.

Clothes can Talk

Clothing is often defined as tangible material objects connected to the human body which can also be an assemblage of modifications and supplements. Aside from being connected to the human body, clothing also helps us relate with other people.

Our clothes are apparent speakers to our viewers. And, they can make impressions that may or may not last. Nonetheless, it should be a habit of ours to look after the images we are trying to portray through our clothes. Yes, clothes do not compose our totality as a human being. They are just extensions of our personality. Yet, our human ability description does not include being able to control people’s thoughts. Not everyone is as openminded as the others.

Our outfits can mean a lot of things to others. And, we just got to portray the right one closest to the image we want others to see. Clothes can talk. It depends to you what you want them to convey.

You Are What You Wear...Sort Of

Don't judge a book by it's cover, but I think it's inevitable to judge people based on appearance. It becomes wrong once you let the judgement get in the way of actually knowing the person. I mean, why would you let your impressions keep you from getting to know that person? I don't deny that I do judge people, but I do get to know them just because.

My first 3 weeks in school made me realize that what we wear is just a small portion of who we are. I mean, we can't put everything that we are as a person into our clothes, and there are those, like me, who just wear clothes. I don't have a "distinct" fashion style—I wear what I feel like wearing. I can be a hippie one day, polished the next day, and the extra-girly the day after that, just like what happened this week. Monday & Tuesday, I was a hippie; I was preppy for CT 11's White Day with my white button-down polo; and I was a girly-girl Thursday & Friday with my floral skirt. If you saw me last week, what would you have thought of me? What would have been your first impression-slash-judgment of me?It's not like anyone sees me everyday because my style changed with my mood, but if someone did see me everyday last week, they would've been really confused—even I was!

I think this goes to show that we really shouldn't judge people based on how they look because their characteristics aren't shown on the surface of their skins. I've been judged a million, if not billion, times because of how I look and what I wear, and those who judge me are almost always wrong. I mean, hey! Yes, I like wearing shorts almost all the time; no, I am absolutely not a skank. ;)

Career Opportunities in CT

Wednesday last week, Miss Kitty gave us an activity that required brainstorming. Each group was given a topic and we were given time to think and give birth to new ideas from that topic. Ariana and I got Business and Marketing. It was quite hard, since I know little about business. We finished anyway and each group presented their findings.

I realized that there are a lot of career opportunities in Clothing Technology. From design to anthropology, this course expands and caters to a wide variety of fields. For now, I'll be sticking to design. :)

-Jolens

Tiffany Box and Robin Egg Blue Nails

There's always something about the color of our nails that catches people's attention and gives them a glimpse of our fashion style. Every year, there's a certain nail polish color trend that people tend to wear. This S/S 2011, Tiffany Box blue and Robin Egg blue seem to be on the nails of the runway models and a lot of fashion icons and celebrities like Katy Perry, Beyoncé, Lauren Conrad, Victoria Justice and Miley Cyrus.

Photo from http://www.osochic.com/2010/06/summer-nail-trend-robin-egg-blue.html

The Chanel, Essie and Pop bottles are the examples of Tiffany Box blue. The Robin Egg blue is a family of light and aqua blues. The color is very perfect for the summer season since these shades have the feel of the ocean, and wearing them on your digits scream, "LET'S HIT THE BEACH ASAP!"

The other 2011 nail color trends are barely-there nudes, peachy pink, lavender/dusty purple (suits most skin tones), gun-metal gray, and an edgy topcoat (a holographic/nude shimmer or a cracking one).


For more info on 2011 nail color trends, visit http://www.refinery29.com/killer-spring-2011-nail-polish-trends :)

Eco-Fasion

by Alexandre Meneghini: Models sport outfits made from soybeans, bamboo, and silk at an eco-fashion show in Mexico City.

Growing up in a province where the rice fields and farm lands are close to our home, I have a distinct appreciation for nature and its simplicity. For one week since I moved from Tarlac to Manila, I have been scrubbing away dust and dirt from cupboards and cabinets. It seemed like the cleaning was endless. My obsessive compulsive tendency towards cleanliness seem have made a comeback. Why is there so much black dirt and dust here. Its the evident pollution i guess. From this thought I have decided lead, as much as I can, a more organic lifestyle. Thus, my blog for the week is about environment friendly products and movements-specifically in the clothing sector.

Eco-Fashion promotes the production of environmentally safe clothing products from organic materials that are ethically produced. A popular Eco-Fashion innovation today is the Zero Waste concept. According to Laurel House in planetgreen.com, Zero Waste is a concept that crosses many industry lines-- from food to fashion. When it comes to your clothes, it is a way of constructing garments without wasting fabric. The fact is that an average of 15% of all fabrics used in the production of clothes is tossed away. From pattern-cutting to unused edging, the clothing industry is responsible for a lot of waste. The concept challenges designers to think about fabric as a coveted commodity and use it sparingly. In other words, the patterns are more carefully crafted to minimize excess fabric being snipped off. The fabric that does end up on the cutting room floor is fashioned into usable embellishments and details instead of landing in a dumpster. FAME Foundation Philippines is an example of an organization that promotes Eco-Fashion.


Also, visit www.ecofashionworld.com for more news about Eco-Fashion brand/stores and associated global organizations.

Weather Proof Style

Style comprises fashion. Moreover, it is style which separates one from the others. But, in a country like the Philippines, style is not only the significant factor that we should consider.

Brand new cream mocasins, grey socks, a good old sweet little white dress and to top it all with a boyfriend blazer, was almost the perfect outfit except for one, the weather. In this country where we often have great and powerful visitors, such as Ondoy and Falcon, our outfits shouldn’t only compromise style but also the weather. Unless, you wanted to be entertained by some of the friends of our visitors, strong winds and floods, who often tagged along.

Nonetheless, we should’t forget style. That is why, Plueys caters to us an array of à la mode footwear. Plueys is a store which specializes on weather proof style. Here, they have stylish wellies (rain boots) that we could include in our closet must-haves. Their wellies are unique for by wearing them you will be style-proofed during the rainy days.

picture is courtesy of www. plueys.com

for more info go to www.plueys.com