Theme board ideas for Spring/Summer09 Collection

"From the moment the lights went out everything had change..."

This is the first of three possible theme ideas i researched for the Lady Libertine S/S09 collection. It is based around the tendrals created by glow-worms! These amazing animals are the larvae of these very delicate flys that only live a few days. As glow-worms they create these beautiful pearl-like; silk tendrals which light up like fairy lights by the glow they emit. The darker side to these beautiful filaments is that they are created to attract prey! (they are nocturnal animals)

There are probably a few directions this theme could be taken...i looked at focusing on the delicate; feminity of the silk filament strands that originally attracted me to them. There is a sense of mystery and fantasy associated with the animal as well as their slowing silk strands. They are fine; gentle and delicate as are the adult fly the worms gorw into. I found myself feeling a sense of grace and beauty...reflected in the garment fabrications and rounded; delicate shapes. Details of pearl and lace would be used heavily...

I also looked at focusing on the darker side of the strands and the purpose behind them. The glow of the strands is mesmerizing in its intention. I found myself thinking of a more raw; almost grunge collection with the use of elastine mesh; sequines; metallics; satin and detailing of black and green pearls...

"Misericordes"

This is the second of possible S/S09 themes i researched. It is inspired by the previous post i made of the performance of the Misericordes ballet piece. The piece i selected is a pas de deux and is a love scene that carries with it a sense of sadness and deep intimacy. Throughout, the choreographer uses repatition of line; angle; contrasted with wrapping and intertwining of the male and female body in a silencing intimacy. The partners balance each other to create images of symmetry. From the film footage you can see that there is no backdrop or detail to costuming...it is very much about the beauty of the movement; of the dancers and the fabric of the costumes against the skin.

As previously mentioned the collection could reflect thesse contrasting images of angle and line against the softness of the wrapping. The pieces would reflect an elegance; symmetry; almost weightlessness while including the sense of sadness and darkness about the piece (?). The use of repatition in the line (diagonally and horizontally - seen in the pas de deux movements- created with seams and contrasting fabrications??) and mimicking of shapes across the body contrasting with flashes of bare skin in deep 'V' necks and backs (?). Fabrications would also reflect the mood of the piece mixing elastine mesh with silks; designed laces and soft velvet trims...

"These hands that made me"

This is the third of my three possible Lady Libertine S/S09 collection themes, based around the traditional dress and crafts of the Peruvian people/culture. it details a lot of hand embrodiery of bright, bold colours contrasted against neutral fabrics and tones. (Reflected in designs through contrast in fabrications; textures and detailing.) These handcrafted designs are geometric; symmetrical and find themselves repeated heavily throughout garments and crafts. This connection with the hand creates a sense of connection and raw beauty in the mix of designs and fabrications.

Peruvian costume also has a heavy focus on layering and wrapping - these ideas easily reflected in our designs, along with the repatition of bold geometric lines. I think the collection would create an uplifting change to the muted and soft tones of current lingerie collections, with "hero" peices reflecting hand embroided panels (traditionally crafted) and detailing...

-Joanna