More of the blossoming collection!

Further development in my mixed media textile samples during the past couple of weeks.

Themes of flight, wing movement in birds and aircrafts, feathers, wind and air.

Bit of an african / native / 70s vibe going on too in there somewhere too!

Here's a little taster.....

 Kingfisher colour palette inspiration

 Coming soon.... woking with metal rods...

All images and design ideas belong to Claire Fitzjohn. Please contact me for more information.

Project development

Design project has been developing nicely over the past few weeks.

A bit of a taster of my final major collection ideas.....

All images owned by Claire Fitzjohn

Retail therapy bag detail

I have had my eye on this beaut of a bag for a fair few weeks now, treated myself with a little purchase today! I love the fabric manipulation techniques, especially the thick spine-like braided/plaited strap

I've added a silk vintage necker-cheif from Leicester vintage shop GOLDRUSH

(bag £19.99 H&M, also available in Black)

Selected to exhibit for Vice Chancellor's lunch

About a month ago, a headpiece from my previous collection "Dreamlike Distortion" was selected from the Trinity House judging panel at my university (De Montfort University, Leicester). 

This piece was exhibited last Wednesday, the Vice Chancellor's lunch for senior university staff and industry visitors. The headpiece was used as a visually interesting and conversation provoking table centrepiece for the luncheon, amongst other selected student and alumni work on stands/busts.  

The headpiece is made up of handcrafted fabric manipulation techniques including: ruffling, machine and hand stitch, wrapping and binding, weaving, knotting, gathering and smocking.

Materials consist of a combination of stretch jersey, chiffon, cottons, tights, sprung steel hair grips, slub silk, Bondaweb and leather-effect vinyl.

Inspiration for this piece came from themes of: distortion through water and glass, twisted Victorian fairytales, and sculptural florals.

Fashion visualisations

Some rough fashion visualisations from my hairpin technique samples, all as neckpieces on the body.....

All images belong to Claire Fitzjohn

Premier Vision - Paris Feb 2011

Last week I worked on the Amanda Kelly Design studio stand, in the Indigo section of Premier Vision in Paris!

The week was so amazing! From the experience of assisting and showing the collection to international fashion buyers and designers, to the food, wine, laughter, sights and sounds of Paris! I learnt so much from the team and loved spending the week with them.... a really lovely group of people :)

Here are some shots from the show

 Below are shots of the amanda kelly design studio stand and the team showing groups from the collection of prints and embroideries.....

 Below is me doing some showing to Italian clients

 Another one from the stand...

 All images copyright and courtesy of www.indigo-salon.com/

(See my 10th Jan post for more info on PV)

final major project

My final major project for my final collection on university course BA(Hons) Textile Design (Mixed Media Textile) is blossoming nicely!

From sketchbook to making, I'm now sourcing materials, paper, feathers, fabrics and trims to experiment with sculpturally.

Here's some of the outcomes so far.....

all images belong to Claire Fitzjohn

Julia Kennedy shoot

I have found a new love in Julia Kennedy, fashion photographer.

This shoot especially, I love the exaggerated makeup, bottom lashes, colour and grainy quality of the images. 

Very moody and seductive. 

 Love the draping layers falling from the headpiece

 This has got to be my favourite of the images, the red is so striking, letting just enough face show to entice the viewer. Just beautiful!

All images courtesy of www.juliakennedy.com