Contextual journal PDF

C ON T E X T U A L J O U R N A L
Holly Hughes

The use of light in this image allows for the shape of the lips to stand out of the wall. The fluorescent
pink lights allows for the eye to be drawn directly to the lips allowing for the lips to not look like a
decorative wall piece but make it look like a light or a feature on the wall. I also like the use of the
light reflecting on the wall creating a pink hue to the surrounding area of the lips. Another feature of
this light I like is the drips rolling down the wall under the lips. I feel that this adds a bit of grunge to
the image as the piece of work is already girly and feminine, so by adding the dark drips allows for
the lips to look dirty and intense, as if they are bleeding. This is also similar to the Kylie Jenner
make up packaging were the lipgloss is dripping or melting off the lips.

The use of splatters of paint and contrapposto allows for the models to look like they have
movement and that they are walking closer to the end of the page. Mel Eesa Lorett the illustration
for the images uses a combination of paint, felts and pencils to create this sense of movement on the
page. I also like the flow that she creates with in the dresses also giving the feeling that they are
moving and swaying with the movement of the body. I really like the mood that she also creates on
the page as if they are walking on a actual catwalk with the models turn looks and the shift in
movement within the clothes illustrations. I feel that by adding movement to the page allows for the
illustrations to look more realistic allowing for the illustration to give a real depiction of what the
clothes will look like on the actual human body. I feel that this is a very affective technique that she
has used and I will consider using techniques that she has used to create this realistic effect.

One of the touring posters of Fleetwood Mac really stood out to me due to the contrasting colours
used with in the poster. The dark and light blues with the yellows with in the stags head allows for
the image to jump off the page and grab the attention of the viewer due to the colours contrasting
but also complementing each other. I also really like the illusion within the image with the horns of
the stag grasping the baby stag like they are hands holding a child. The use of lines within the stags
had gives the illusion of wood another aspect of the image that I also found interesting

Anka Langit uses pencil to create works that are beautiful and sentimental. I really like the use of
layering in this image, placing the flowers over the face of the woman and highlighting them with the
light and shade within her face. Th little detail the i with in the flowers then also allow for the woman
face to also stand out as you are able to appreciate the detail that went in to her face also. The flower
also sought my attention as they are very dominant within the image. The use of line and the white
yellow background within the flowers allows them to look simple but also realistic. The use of
segmenting the image into 4 parts allows for the image to have further interest as she has put the
most detail into the middle 2 segments and little on the outer 2, encouraging the viewer to think
about why she has done this and what is the meaning behind why she has only put the most amount
of detail into the woman face.

I really like the way that the words create a shape of a heart. By drawing the letters at different
heights and sizes and adding some curves to the letter T the design is able to create the outline of a
heart. I also like the font that is used as its quite elegant but also feels urgent as its red and quite
bold on the page. I feel that by doing the letters at different heights creates further interest on the
page as its allows for the eye to bounce around the page and look at the different points of interest
with in the lettering. I feel that a design like this would look nice in the middle of a T-shirt as a
graphic T with a simple white background. I also feel that this design would work well on posters as
its simple and it hasn't got any fussy elements that are over powering. I would consider designing
something that is similar to this but may be with different colours and different quotes used in the
design.

A cyanotype is a method that uses the sun to bleach the paper and leaves a design on the page. You
pace an object on the cyanotype page a specific type of paper and leave it in the sun. The longer you
leave it in the sun the more predominant the image that is left on the page. The more opaque an
object is the more you are able to see it on the paper compared to something that is translucent
however translucent objects leave a very subtle image on that paper. I have tried this technique
before and it was very effective, it was very quick and simple to do and I really enjoyed the process
that you had to go through to get the finished piece. I also feel that the finish is really nice with the
different shades of blues being eft on the page were an object may be more opaque than the rest of
the object.

The New designers exhibition allowed for me to gather ideas on how I should lay out my work and how
things should be presented as this is one of my down falls of my first year in uni. Walking around allowed for
me to be inspired for ideas and look at a variety of things that could be made with textiles other than clothes
and furniture. I also liked the fact that there was a variety of works displayed and that no two works were
alike. I have drawn inspiration from the many people that was there and have thought about what I would like
to focus on in the following year. I really liked the prints for wallpaper and the use of embroidery for many of
the pieces as not many people used these techniques in their work. I found that by attending allowed for me
to see what people are looking for in a portfolio and has allowed for me to try and meet their standards.

I really like the art deco feel to this card, the use of curved edges and layers jumped out to me as many of the
darker shapes are layered over a bright colour allowing for that to jump out of the page. I also like the
simplicity of the image and you can easily tell what the image is of. However, I do like the detailing in the
back of the image which is less simple as it is of a marbles or watercolour effect, which I find is quite affective
in this image as it contrasts the dark layered colours that are at the bottom. I also find that the colours in the
image give an magical effect to the image allowing for it to look mysterious and original.

This is a technique called WPAP which draws a combination of different colours together to create
an image of someone, this image is of David Bowie. I really like the use of colour and the different
shades that are used. I also feel that the use of block colour with in the image allows for the face to
be more recognisable compared to if they were using smaller segments of colour which may of made
it more difficult for the image to be recognisable. light and dark areas are used to create shadow
which may of been cased on his face. I also like the way the use of light and dark colours shows the
shadows allowing for the face to have dimension and not look like it is flat on the page. The use of
contrasting colours complement each other well in the image as this is what draws the eye to image
as all of the colours are opposing each other in the image, creating interest. The simpler the marks
made with the different colours the better the image looks. This technique is very similar to painting
by numbers as it does not use ombre showing a transition from light from dark but it uses block
colour to show this which I really like as I feel that this is a very effective technique. I feel that this
would work well as a printed image on some fabric or paper. I would like to see how it would work
on these materials as I feel that it would look well on something such as a T-shirt.

I really like the combination of colours within this poster and that all of the shapes and letterings are
all one block colour. I also like the contrast between the soft curved lines of the shapes and harsh
bold lines of the lettering. These two really compliment each other as they seem to balance each
other out on the page as it is a mixture of soft and hard, which I really like. I also feel that the colours
make the lettering look slightly softer also as they are bright and stand out of the page making the
lettering look less invasive.

The British style collective has allowed for me to consider different factors when drawing ideas.
Such as thinking about the emotions of a person and how they feel when they wear their clothes and
what colours suit different people better. I was able to take away simple tips that has allowed for me
to easily test these factors such as seeing what colour suits some one better by holding a cool toned
and warm toned handkerchief under someones neck. These little tips will allow for me to create
designs that suit different people and possibly make bespoke items that people suit. I really enjoyed
these talks as it has allowed for me to think about different factors what people look for when they
are shopping for their clothes. It allows for me to consider weather the clothes makes you feel good
and weather you feel comfortable in wearing the item. I also feel that these techniques would work
in relation to home decor also as people look for items that make the room look good and in certain
colours.

I really like this retro style poster. I like the use of the different variations in colours and patters, and
also the way the glasses and the eyes are the only focal point on the poster. I feel that the use in the
different styles of glasses also shows a sense of identity and the fact that everyone is different. This is
shown through the use in the different styles of glasses and the different shapes in eyes. I also feel
that by only drawing the eyes make the image seem mysterious as you are unaware of who the
person is weather they are a boy or a girl and what the rest of their face actually look like.

Roberto Cavalli

Roberto Cavalli is an Italian fashion designer and inventor. He is known for exotic prints and for creating the
sand-blasted look for jeans. In Milan in 1994, Cavalli presented the first sand-blasted jeans. By December of
the same year, he had opened boutiques in Saint Barth, in the French Caribbean, followed by others in
Venice and Saint-Tropez. The high-end Italian fashion house Roberto Cavalli sells luxury clothing, perfume
and leather accessories. In the early 1970s, he invented and patented a printing procedure on leather, and
started creating patchworks of different materials.
Cavali first came about while studying at the Academy of Art in Florence in 1957, Cavalli decided not to
become an artist, instead experimenting by applying painterly techniques to textiles in ways that had not
been practised before. In 1970, Roberto Cavalli showcased his revolutionary materials for the first time in his
debut collection. ‘I had this idea to print on leather.’ This then led to Cavalli opening his first boutique in
Saint-Tropez in 1972, foreseeing the potential of the fishing village as a desirable destination for the fashion
elite. Cavalli's career entered an exciting new phase at the start of the Nineties. Applying artistic techniques
to denim, he presented his first printed jeans in 1988, showed the first sand-blasted jeans in his autumn/
winter 1994 collection, and worked with Lycra to invent stretch jeans in 1995. These innovations in textile
technology consequently exploded in popularity and have diversified the denim market dramatically.
Many of his work contains a large amount of patterns that are either intracity sewn onto the fabric or printed
onto the fabric. I really like the finish that these techniques have on the fabric as it creates more interest. I
also like the way he embellishes fabrics that are hard to embellish such as leather and sheer fabric. I also like
the fact that he embellishes the fabric with patterns that are highly detailed and contain many colours
making me more interested in his work.
The images that I have looked at are from the magazine Vogue were they talked about his ‘Resort’ collection
in 2017. His collection was described as ‘The lookbook shoot was in a beautiful Milanese palazzo whose
secluded garden had an almost unreal, fairy-tale feel. Long-limbed models roamed the manicured lawns
with dreamy nonchalance, looking fabulous in various iterations of Chantilly lace–encrusted bohemian
dresses. Textiles from Latin America embroidered with Aztec motifs, ornate antique jewelry, and ’70s suede
platform sandals and python boots were piled up and scattered everywhere in decadent chaos. Artsy mood
boards looked like carnets de voyage belonging to a jet-setting aristocrat brat returning home after a long
journey to a far-flung destination. As a rendition of Cavalli’s world, the set couldn’t have been more telling.’
What attracted me to this collection was the use of layering with in the fabric and the different combinations
of fabrics used in every style from suede to leather. I also like how colourful each piece is. I find that the
Bohemian style of clothes is very light and elegant and I think that he has perfected this within the collection.
The use of multiple fabrics, layered and the use of heavy patterns allows for the dresses and suits to look
lightweight and effortless when wearing it.
I also like the colour combinations that are used as it allows for the colours to stand out. For example within
the suit, he has used a dark fabric layered with bright luminous flowers allowing for the pattern to be the
centre of attention within the suit. However, normally within the bohemian style of clothing many of the
colours are subdued and complement each other well. Such as various tones of pinks used one item of
clothing or various warm colours combined on one dress to make it look more interesting.
I would like to look further into the bohemian style of clothing as I like the patterns used and also the style of
clothing that is worn. I like the use of excessive fabric on the clothes and that the style is very different from
items you would see on the high street. I would also like to explore the bohemian style in furniture and
weather the same techniques, styles, patterns and fabrics are also used in this area as well as clothing.

Valentino

Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani was born 11 May 1932 and is best known as Valentino.He is an
Italian fashion designer and famously known as the founder of the Valentino brand and company. His main
lines include Valentino, Valentino Garavani, Valentino Roma, and R.E.D. Valentino.d. He first became
interested in fashion while in primary school, when he apprenticed under his aunt Rosa and local designer
Ernestina Salvadeo. Valentino then moved to Paris to pursue this interest.
In 1960 Valentino left Paris and opened a fashion house in Rome on the posh Via Condotti with the backing
of his father and an associate of his. This led to him to become known for his red dresses, in the bright shade
that became known in the fashion industry as ‘Valentino red’. His international debut took place in 1962 in
Florence, the Italian fashion capital of the time. One of his most famous clients was Jacqueline Kennedy who
ordered six of his haute couture dresses all in black and white she wore them during her year of mourning
following President John F. Kennedy's assassination. This led to her becoming an devoted client of
Valentino and also a close friend. Valentino would later design the white Valentino Gown worn by Kennedy
at her wedding to Greek tycoon Aristotle Onassis.In 1966 he moved his shows from Florence to Rome where
two years later he produced an all-white collection that became famous for the "V" logo he designed.
Throughout the 1970s Valentino spent considerable time in New York City, where his presence was
embraced by society personalities such as Vogue and the art icon Andy Warhol. He then later retired in
September 2007, he retired fully in January 2008 from the world stage after his last haute couture show in
Paris. He delivered his last women's ready-to-wear show in Paris on 4 October.
His work contains many patterns and sheer fabric. He is a very versatile designer as he is able to make very
extravagant and loud pieces of clothes, but he is also able to make very smart and reserved pieces such as the
ones worn by Jackie Kennedy. I really liked the style of some of his long dresses as they are high detailed .
Some of the patterns or prints on the dresses are quite reserved within the piece and don't take over the
whole dress. Some of the fabric is also able to be seen as the patterns are smaller but more detailed.
The images that I have looked at are from his Valentino SS17 collection, which was showcased in Rome. His
collection was ‘the colours of the Renaissance, a palette that centred on yellow ochre, vermilion, malachite,
absinthe and umber browns and worked them into his signature romantic whisper-weight dresses; long
sleeved, high-necked, pleated skirts, grounded in ballet pumps with straps wrapped around and buckled at
the ankle. In addition to red-carpet winners - a whole series of tulle full-skirted gowns with fanned sleeves
and embroideries wowed - there were offerings for souped-up everyday too, like those ultra long flocked
trousers which looked like they were crafted from historic upholstery fabric, an asymmetric army jacket, a
stellar red crochet dress, and a magenta glossy mac.
What attracted me to this collection was the use of patterns and that the collection had a slight bohemian
vibe, what I like. I also like the mass use of sheer fabric within this collection allowing for the colours within
the patterns used to stand out. I have selected some images that I like of this collection as I feel that the use
of patterns and fabric complement each other well, these dresses have a similar look to some of the dresses
from the Roberto Cavalli collection with the use of sheer fabrics, layering of the fabrics and the use of bright
bold patterns that add to the dress but don't take away from the form of the dress.
I also like the colour combinations that are used as it allows for the colours to stand out. Black is a very
popular colour used by Valentino and with the combination of the bright colours and small embellishments
he is able to make dresses that are elegant and eye catching . However, normally within the bohemian style of
clothing many of the colours are subdued and complement each other well. Valentino rebells against this by
using bright colours that both complement and contrast each other.
I really like the subdued bohemian look with in this collection as it is different from the conventional boho
style, with the use of brighter colours that are contrasting each other and little complementing each other.

By blocking some aspects of this pattern and then spray painting the parts that are exposed you are able to
get an image that has both positive and negative space. By stencilling the outline of the body and the face
these parts were able to stay white as this was not exposed to the colour pigment of the spray gun. The use of
colour also allows for the white in the face to stand out further as the couloirs are really bright and
contrasting. The sharp movements within the spray paint also allows for the model to look like it is moving
towards the page as there is an illusion of an leg coming towards you due to the shift in her hips. I really like
this technique as I like the combination of colours and the technique used to create the pattern. patterns like
this would look most effective as a poster or on a t-shirt centred in the middle.

The use of the bright pink against the muted purple colour allows for the image of the woman to stand out of the page.
I also like the way the shaded parts of her face and body are a darker version of the luminous pink. The way that some
parts of her face are still showing some of the purple background allows for more of her facial features to be seen more
clearly. For example around her eyes the darker side hides some of the detailing within this area, whilst on the other
eye you are able to see all of the eye right up to the detailing within the pupil. Detail has not been lost within the image
as you are able to still see many parts of the image such as strands of hair and also ribbing within the neck of the
jumper. This adds to the image as you feel that detail would be lost because of the intensity of the colour, however I
feel that this has added to the image as the use of the different intensities of colour allows for the detail to stand out
further, as the top looks as if it is coming out of the page in a 3D style. I also feel that the image of the woman adds to
the image as she is very plain with not much going on such as facial expressions. By doing this the woman isn't taking
away from the detailing within the image and the intensity of the colours used.

Bohemian
Furniture

After looking at the different types of bohemian style of clothes, I started to look at how this style can be
translated on to furniture. I liked the varied use of patterns and fabrics used in the clothes and wondered
weather the same techniques, fabrics and styles are used in the making of furniture as well.
When Researching the furniture I found that many of the items contain a large amount of patterns. Similar
to the clothing. The use of clashing, detailed patterns are used heavily with in chairs mostly, this would be
due to the large surface area, maligning more of the pattern is able to be showcased on the item. Also within
the chairs, one type of fabric is normally used to cover the whole of the chair, so there is not much of a
pattern clash. This is similarly shown in the bohemian style of clothing as one type of pattern is used through
out the piece. Colour is another aspect of the furniture that stood out, as many of the items contain a large
amount of colour, this is more prominent within the furniture as brighter, bolder colours are mostly used
through out most of the furniture such as pillows and the chairs. However, some of the patterns and colours
are more subdued compared to others. One type of colour is also used within furniture, looking at one of the
images of the chair you can see that variations of the colour blue is used through out the chair, with a very
light detailed pattern within the fabric.
Another aspect of the bohemian style of clothes is that a variety of fabrics is used through out. Sheer is
mostly used, however within furniture this type of fabric is not as prominent. Tassels, pompoms and
embroidery stitching is mostly used with in furniture. This may be because sheer fabric would be less
wearable upon something like a chair or a pillow and wont be as long lasting compared to something like a
piece that has been embroiled onto the fabric directly. Different techniques would of been used to create the
furniture as the fabric would of needed to fit the shape of the object that it would of been wrapped around.
By having fabrics such as sheer and using techniques such as layering and frills this would of made it more
complicated to cover the frame of the object and make it look presentable.
I really like the way that the bohemian style has been translated onto furniture and feel that there are many
similarities between the two. I personally like the furniture more as I like the amount of detail that can be put
into the item and still make it look elegant. I also like the way that the style of the pattern on the fabrics
matches the style of the object that fit is on, such as the chairs. The fabrics that are on the chairs allows for
the style of the chair to stand out, emphasise and exaggerate the shape of the further. The patterns that are
on the chairs allows for other parts of the chairs to be recognised as well such as the feet and the curves of
the back and arm rests of the chair.
Another piece of furniture that I have also liked the look of is pillows. The use of velvet and tassels, reached
out to me as ordinary pillows do not contain traits such as this. Accessories on the pillows such as this allows
for the pillow to stand out and become more of a piece of furniture itself, rather than an accessory adding to
the space. I also like the use of patterns on the pillows as the large surface area allows for the pattern to
contain a lot of detail and make the pillow more eye catching to the person looking at it. The variations in
size and shape of the pillow also adds, as it allows for different or same ideas to be shown differently on a
different sized surface.
I would like to explore the bohemian style of furniture further and see weather there is more object that
contain similarities to bohemian style. I would also like to see what wallpaper would look like and weather
there is heavy detailing upon the paper and weather different fabrics are used upon that sort of surface as
well, such as velvet. I really like the way patterns sit upon the varied shapes of the chairs and the cushions
and I would like to explore this further when looking into this stye further.

Anthropologie

Founded in 1992 in Pennsylvania, Anthropologie is a one-of-a-kind destination for those seeking a
curated mix of clothing, accessories, gifts and home décor that reflects their personal style and fuel
their lives' passions. The brand takes inspiration from the worlds of fashion, art and
entertainment.They are popular due to their offering of signature products and unmatched service.
They are also passionate about collaboration and partnerships with both established and upcoming
artists bringing their customers unique and covetable pieces to treasure. Their buyers and
designers travel the world to uncover special products and collaborate with talented artists.This has
lead to a unique assortment that includes clothing, accessories, beauty, found objects, gifts and
more, with influences ranging from vintage to global.
Looking at any of their furniture lines, I have discovered that may of the items has influences of the
Bohemian. As they have a wide range of patters, textures and styles within some of the items that
they sell. As the store doesn’t design many of the items but collaborates with artists, the bohemian
style has been interoperated in different ways, through the varied use of fabrics, textures, patterns
and colours.
Patterns is one of the main aspects of the bohemian style and many of the items that the store sells,
even with in their fashion and ceramics ranges contain patterns. However, within the fabrics
patterns are used both heavily and dominantly to enhance the look of the item such as the frame of a
char or the shape of a pillow. Many colours are also used including clashing colours, which isn’t that
popular within the style. But when pared with the bold detailed patterns the colour looks more
subdued than what they actually are.
Another aspect within the style is that many different textures are used, such as the velvet chairs.
The use of the velvet softens the look of the frame and allows for the shape of the chair to be
exaggerated due to the full coverage of the velvet on the chair. The use of the single colour within
the velvet also allows for the texture and look of the fabric to stand out and be the main aspect of the
furniture.
Anthropologie looks for a variety of different furniture to sell, allowing for a wide range of
customers to buy off them. However, many of the items that they sell and have sold are influenced by
the bohemian style. They may not follow the exact rules of the style but they do touch upon some of
the features that are connected to the bohemian. By looking into the store I have been able to see
the types of items that work well with the patters, fabrics, textures and colours. It has also allowed
for me to see some of the items that are popular to customers and what is sellable to competitive
market. By doing this research I will be able to base my ideas on what is sellable and what is not by
looking into popular stores such as Anthropologie.

I have decided to look at this image as I really like the colour combinations within the flowers and
also the elegant detail that is within each flower. You are able to see detail through shading and thin
lines within the flowers but not all of the detail is dominant with in the image. I also like the way that
the green and the burgundy complements each other subtly and one colour doesn't over power the
other. There is also many points of interest within the image from the flowers to the leaves. The use
of the different heights with in the flowers allows for the eye to look at each point within the image.
This allows for all of the subtle detail to be taken in from the picture. I also like the way the bunch of
flowers is central within the image making it the focus on the page.

The simplicity of this illustration allows for the colours within the image to stand out as they aren't
loud and bright colour’s. I also like the accuracy with in the image such as the curves in the
background and within the body of the flamingo. All of the lines and curves are drawn accurately
which drew me to this image as everything is precisely drawn and it is all in proportion with
everything that is on the page. I also like the use of colour and the transition within the colour when
it meets another colour. Such as the green plan, when it meets the colour in the background it has
been coloured in a lighter form of green. This is showing light and shade.

New Designers
Exhibition Inspiration

The New Designers exhibition allowed for me to explore the differences in the style of work that
everyone has. I was able to collect some images of peoples work that I thought would allow for me to
improve my practice work. I was advised to improve my presentation of my work and stick to one
size for everything and by attending the exhibition I was able to see that this is what I would have to
do t improve my presentation as everything was all of the same size.
I also struggled throughout the year to come up with effective ways to present my work in a way that
looked nice but also got my ideas across, by looking at other peoples work I have been able to see
different ways in which I can do this. Such as include more colour on the page and not everything
has to have writing on it. As everything I done had writing on it. Some of the work just included the
inspiration for the design and then the image of what it looked like in the middle of the page. I also
noticed that there were also many colour swatches displayed in many of the books. I found that this
was a good idea as it shown the colour inspiration that was used to create the product.
Another thing that I saw within many portfolios was that fabrics were just stuck signally on the page
allowing for the fabric to be the focus of the page and then the final design using the fabric was
displayed next to the single mounted piece of fabric.I also found that this was very effective as it
allowed for you to properly visualise what the fabric would look like on the item and what the
finished item may look like.
Many fabrics were used through out the exhibition such as sheer fabric and wall paper. These were
all showcased similarly as they were draped from a height. This allows for the pattern on the item to
be sown fully, instead of folded or in a folder. Hanging them allowed for the fabric and the detail
within the pattern to be shown fully. I found that this was a really good idea as I was able to touch
some of the items allowing for me to see the different materials that were used on different peoples
work. Enabling me to discuss with my dad on what we thought was the best technique used on each
of the different fabrics.
I was also able to see many different techniques that people used to create their work such as, the
use of stamps to repetitively print an image on to the fabric. After talking to the girl who made them
I found out that they were hand made and very easy to make and also left a very good effect on the
fabric as some of the ink broke up the more times that it was printed on to the material. The use of
different techniques was shown through out the whole of the exhibition as people had their own way
in crating what they made. As even though there were many people showcasing they wallpaper
design each piece of wallpaper was different to the last because of the different technique that they
used.
The exhibition allowed for me to gather ideas on many things, especially the way in which I should
present my work. I have been inspired to consider a the different variety of things that could be
made with textiles other than clothes and furniture and also use and come up with new and different
techniques that sets my work apart form the rest. I have drawn inspiration from the exhibitors that
were there and have thought about what I would like to focus on in the following year.Prints for
wallpaper and the use of embroidery for many of the pieces stood out to me the most as there were
only a few of these on show around the exhibition hall. By attending the exhibition I have seen what
people are looking for in a design portfolio and what I can do to improve my own work and become
competitive with many other designers. I am hoping to take away what I have seen from the
exhibition and apply this to my own work by coming up with effective ways to present my work and
new techniques to make my work different from others.