The answer is, that this simplistic understated item of clothing, can speak volumes! It may, quite possibly be the most basic item of clothing, gracing almost every wardrobe on the planet. But this staple garment has stood the test of time and can go from, casual workwear to chic and classic, depending on how its worn and what it is teamed with. Take a look back through time, in almost every decade since the early 20th century, the classic white T shirt, has reared its head, and stood strong, to defy the test of time. Whether worn as undershirts by navy soldiers in the early 1900s or in the super cool portrayal of James Dean in the 1950s, one thing is for certain, while other items of clothing pop in and out of fashion, the white T shirt remains one of the classic pieces that will not budge!
But why? What is it about this garment that stops it from dying out? Being one of the most simple and what could be argued, plain item of clothing, surely it should just fade away into the past, as there is nothing about it that grabs peoples attention, or is there...? The answer is, yes, there is a reason why this bare essential, has stood the test of time. It allows a person to portray their own style. It is an item of clothing that is not too overpowering and creates the basis of a desired look, when teamed with the right items of clothing, It is the safe item of clothing that can be relied on, and will not be subject to criticism. With countless variations whether length, shape, neckline, pockets, no pockets, short sleeve or cap sleeve, the white T shirt, is one of the most adaptable items of clothing to ever be created.
The white T shirt is also the advertisers dream, as it is a canvas, that allows complete focus on product imagery. Allowing it not only to be a fashion essential but also the perfect marketing tool, that any company can put its stamp on. This suggests that its popularity is majorly impacted by its versatility, and this may be one of the reasons as to why its popularity remains. However its could just be the simple fact that, whether worn for comfort or dressed up for an evening out, a crisp white T shirt, compliments most wearers. It portrays a style that is clean cut, fresh, classic and looks effortless. And when teamed with a pair of classic blue jeans, you just can't go wrong!
Tuesday, 21 January 2014
Tuesday, 7 January 2014
Are we creating our own identities through fashion, or is the fashion industry creating them for us??
We all know that fashion is forever throwing trend, after trend at us, moving so fast only the devoted followers and those that can afford the for ever changing array of styles are able to keep up. But how much of our identities to we owe to the fashion industry??? Although not everybody has an interest in current trends, it could be suggested that even picking the most ordinary items of clothing, that it has still been through a production line of influences and decisions, before it hits the sales floor! Posing the question our we really the makers of our own identity through fashion or are our choices limited to what has been decided for us?
For decades, people have used clothing as a way of portraying who they are and what they believe in. Just look back to the 1980s, the era of punk, or even the image of the 1950s housewife. What people wear and how they wear it, allows people to identify where and what group, they belong to in society. The very notion of distinction through clothing was displayed to me more than ever recently, when the high street label Joules, opened its doors for the first time in my local town, It got me questioning have they created a uniform for the middle class??? Or is it that looking middle class has become the trend? It could be said that the creators of Joules have very cleverly created a brand with the very idea of giving the sense of belonging to a particular group.
Joules is just one example of a company that has a link with identity, there are many others, Laura Ashley, the perfect uniform for motherhood, Fat Face, for the laid back, free thinker, These high street stores all create new seasonal collections but seem exempt from trend, as they have developed their own brand of style. It could be suggested that changing trends and the movements that are current in society at the time, have a enormous influence on developing identities throughout different eras. However these companies, that have developed a brand of style, have been able create a look that creates a firm identity with groups that may not fade with time and could possibly achieve longevity in society.
But who is the instigator of such strong influences? Although the fashion industry is filled to the brim with creativity, the concepts and ideas have to come from somewhere! But where? Usually from what is all around us, what is happening in society and what we ourselves, have created. So it could be said, that though our identities are influenced by fashion, fashion is influence by us.
We all know that fashion is forever throwing trend, after trend at us, moving so fast only the devoted followers and those that can afford the for ever changing array of styles are able to keep up. But how much of our identities to we owe to the fashion industry??? Although not everybody has an interest in current trends, it could be suggested that even picking the most ordinary items of clothing, that it has still been through a production line of influences and decisions, before it hits the sales floor! Posing the question our we really the makers of our own identity through fashion or are our choices limited to what has been decided for us?
For decades, people have used clothing as a way of portraying who they are and what they believe in. Just look back to the 1980s, the era of punk, or even the image of the 1950s housewife. What people wear and how they wear it, allows people to identify where and what group, they belong to in society. The very notion of distinction through clothing was displayed to me more than ever recently, when the high street label Joules, opened its doors for the first time in my local town, It got me questioning have they created a uniform for the middle class??? Or is it that looking middle class has become the trend? It could be said that the creators of Joules have very cleverly created a brand with the very idea of giving the sense of belonging to a particular group.
Joules is just one example of a company that has a link with identity, there are many others, Laura Ashley, the perfect uniform for motherhood, Fat Face, for the laid back, free thinker, These high street stores all create new seasonal collections but seem exempt from trend, as they have developed their own brand of style. It could be suggested that changing trends and the movements that are current in society at the time, have a enormous influence on developing identities throughout different eras. However these companies, that have developed a brand of style, have been able create a look that creates a firm identity with groups that may not fade with time and could possibly achieve longevity in society.
But who is the instigator of such strong influences? Although the fashion industry is filled to the brim with creativity, the concepts and ideas have to come from somewhere! But where? Usually from what is all around us, what is happening in society and what we ourselves, have created. So it could be said, that though our identities are influenced by fashion, fashion is influence by us.
Learning Curve!
I have to say, that it is amazing how quickly you can grasp learning something just by practicing over and over again. 12 weeks ago, I had never even made a garment, and here I am with 2 complete toiles and 1 finished tailored shirt. I have to admit, that my unpicker, is now my best friend and there has been many a learning curve along the way, but none the less, with determination and practise, I have picked up skills and pace too! 
Never be harsh on yourself about the mistakes you make, as this is when you learn the most!
Never be harsh on yourself about the mistakes you make, as this is when you learn the most!
Saturday, 4 January 2014
Busy Bee
So after setting up this blog with all the good intentions of updating on a weekly bases, I have to say, I underestimated how I was going to fit regular writing into my already busy schedule!!! With uni deadlines looming over me and unforeseen life circumstances, something had to give! Anyway with life back on track, I have finally found some time to get back in the game!!! I think the fact I have had no time to write, is a good example for any budding Fashion Student, of just how much a fashion degree takes over your life!!
So, over the past six weeks I have been a busy bee, working on three modules two practical and one written piece! After Making two toiles of tailored shirts, I have finally managed to complete my first actual shirt! and it pleases me greatly to say that it actually looks like a shirt!!! This tells me that during what has seemed like a whirlwind of information, i must have taken something on board and learnt some very valuable new skills. Relief, that student debt isn't in vain!! I have also been working on a design process based on the concept of Masculinity and Femininity, and creating one of my final designs. Over the next two weeks I hope to upload some images of my journey through the last 12 weeks, and my final garments! but for now, I have to crack on and hit that deadline!! Thanks for viewing :)
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