Trek to Sapa

Sapa is a mountainous region in Northwest Vietnam near the Chinese border, home to a mosaic of ethnic hill tribes including the H'mong. While I was in Vietnam I went on a 2 day trek in Sapa. It was AMAZING! It was hear where I 1st came across the Hmong minority and became instantly inspired by them and their culture.

Yes that's right, I totally climbed that mountain! (Not looking very glamorous)

One of the H'mong girls I met on the trek. They all meet in town and join tourists on their trek into the villages. They help you along the way and try and get to know you. After you reach their village they start to sell you their embroidery and textile work. Some of the girls were the same age as me if not younger, pregnant and walk the trek every day. I don't know how they do it everyday in the heat wearing their heavy embroidered clothing.

Quote of the day!!!

Image from my Diary

Cecil Beaton (14 January 1904 – 18 January 1980)
English fashion and portrait photographer and an Academy Award-winning stage and costume designer for films and the theatre.

'HMONG GODDESS'

So this is basically a summery I put together for the inspiration for my collection. I fell in love with the mountainous region of Sapa in Northwest Vietnam. I took part in a 2 day trek through the regions home to the mosaic of ethnic hill tribes including the beautiful Hmong group. It was a journey I will never forget. I fell in Love with the landscape, the way of living, the people and the whole atmosphere of the area. It really inspired something within me. I cannot wait to go back!!!

'From the mountainous terrain of the village of Sapa in the inspiring country of Vietnam is where you will find a mosaic of ethnic hill tribe minority groups.

At a glance the Hmong can be identified among these groups by their distinct clothing of intricate and detailed embroidery, applique, batik patterning and elaborate silver jewellery adoring their bodies.

My designs will translate the Hmong textile techniques into contemporary feminine dresses with the use of vibrant fabrics, exotic colours and elaborate embellishments exploring my love of textiles.

An eclectic fusion of fabrics and fibres and a clash of textures resonating a journey with passion whose lines follow those of the traditional Hmong costume'.

FINDING ME A MUSE.....CURIOUSER!

Creative, Experimental, Quirky, Unique!

If I had to describe singer songwriter Kate Miller-Heidke those would be the words I would choose.

I absolutely love her music (her voice and her lyrics) Her songs are either about love and emotion or a sense of fun and humour, from young love to breaking up to being the most unko dancer to high school bullying and regrets.

I went to her Sydney concert late last year....AMAZING!
One of the best concerts I've been to.

I find her really inspiring in both her singing and songwriting and her creative personality and slightly quirky dress sense.

She is my muse...

HUSSEIN CHALAYAN, a/w 2002/2003

I found this image in the 'Global Fashion Local Tradition' and it really inspired me for my design process and inspiration for my final collection and the way I can use the traditional Hmong dress and translate it into contemporary fashion. Hussein Chalayan is best known for his experimental installations and designs. His fascination for new technology results in an innovative use of materials and experimental forms. His inspiration often comes from his own cultural heritage, clothing customs and traditions of Turkish-Cypriot to then translate them into advanced and fashionable designs. This is an outfit and the design process from his Ambimorphous collection which is based on traditional Turkish/Ottoman costume. It starts with a model in full traditional costume and with each model following a section of the costume was simplified and replaced by a black area eventually resulting in simple, contemporary wearable clothes.

JOHN GALLIANO, a/w 2004/2005

ANYTHING GOES with Galliano. From pirate fantasies to Russian folk art, the collision of influence that goes into a JOHN GALLIANO creation makes each one unique!
I found these images of his a/w 2004/2005 collection in the book Global Fashion Local Tradition. It is a really inspiring collection for my them of 'The Globalization of Fashion and the effect on the Hmong Culture'. To describe the look of this collection as eclectic would be an understatement, its more of a crazy/quirky mix-and-match style. He fuses together his love of colour, fabric and textiles with the blending of a myriad of influences from around the world on his various travels. in this collection the skirt is made from old scarves bought in Barbes (in Paris's 18th arrondissement) fused together with boiled and felted wool, the jacket is block printed inspired by a Russian tray and the corset is Victorian inspired, ruffled and embroidered with gold and silver coins.
He creates clothes that are "full of fantasy, fun. eclecticism and that embody a piratical approach to fashion".
"Fashion is about excitement and change. If you don't challenge people, fashion will not change".

Images from 'Global Fashion/Local Tradition. On the Globalization of Fashion'.

Renato Inspired!!!

Yesterday we had a guest industry lecture by Textile Designer Renato Terminini. We were lucky enough to see his amazing portfolio and textile prints. His work is amazing and very inspiring. I can't wait to start designing my textile pieces for my collection with him as a mentor.
I have attached links to his websites to view just a sample of his work.
http://www.termenini.com/termenini.html
http://www.termenini.com/1.html