Masters of Style: Alexander McQueen

Fashion File was E-VER-Y-THING!!!
This is kind of eerie and bitter sweet to watch, but the best McQueen Doc I've seen.

Tips and Tricks: 2012/13 F.I.T (AAS Fashion Design) Portfolio Requirements

Some of my info is a little dated. I see F.I.T. shortened the requirements A LOT from when I applied.
I may add to it more if I think of anything, but I'm just throwing out a few ideas for you all working with the new requirements.
If you have any questions, leave them in the comments:)

--also, I added a Google translator,  hopefully if you need it, it will work for you.


PART ONE: Design Test

PROJECT ONE:  MIX-AND-MATCH DESIGNS

1.  Create a mood/inspiration page for the following mix-and-match designs. The mood page should include an image(s) that has inspired you to create these designs. Include a short written explanation of how the designs have been inspired by the mood page image(s).  Also list the destination and season of the year in which these designs will be worn.

2.  Draw original garment designs in color using the medium of your choice. Show mix-and-match separates that work together.

• design a jacket
• design a top (use the top twice, once on each figure)
• design a pant
• design a skirt

Sketch the designs in color on two figures. Include back views of the garments on a figure or as a flat sketch. Attach actual fabric swatches and identify the fabrics on the front of the sketches. NOTE: Original artwork can be computer generated.  REMINDER:  Only color copies are to be submitted for this project.

A mood board kind of seems self explanatory, but you can pick a city and season and throw in landmarks from that city, famous people etc. I would avoid Paris, they probably get A LOT of those, but do it if you have a unique take.

 You could also pick a movie(s), but make sure if you pick more than one movie or place, or whatever you choose to do, let it compliment each other. A mood board is suppose to show them the focus of your ideas. (Don't do anything lazy like just rip out a couple advertisements from Vogue and glue them to board)

*An advanced option, if you want to take the time, is considering allowing you mood board to tell the story of the woman your designing for.

PROJECT TWO:  FASHION DESIGN ARTWORK

Submit four sketches of your original fashion design artwork.

• Draw original designs in color using the medium of your choice. NOTE:  Original artwork can be computer generated. Include a short written explanation of the inspiration.  Design sketches are to be on full-length fashion figures with back views.
• Include 2 inch x 2 inch fabric swatches on the front of each sketch, identify the type of fabric (e.g. 100% wool gabardine). 
• Include a short written explanation of the inspiration.
• NOTE:  Only color copies of your sketches are to be submitted.  

~~I know in my other post I advise you to do a mini collection, but under these guidelines, not sure if it's necessary. In my portfolio, we could submit up to 10 looks, but they've slashed it by more than half. So if I were you, here I would put showstoppers, evening looks, avant guard looks etc.

PART TWO: Sewing Test 
PROJECT THREE:  GARMENT SAMPLES

Submit photographs of a maximum of three garments you have sewn (include front and back views). Samples are to demonstrate knowledge of construction. Originality, creativity, and design aesthetic are valued. Clothing is to be photographed on a person or dress mannequin. Garments can be created from commercial patterns or you can develop your own patterns or drape the design. Garment examples should be sewn. Do not show existing garments that have just been decorated. <--LOL I didn't write that!! Wow.

Here are the actual patterns I used for my portfolio. Pretty plain right? But it's sportswear, and its straight forward. Check out my full portfolio page to see how it turned out.

 ~~They've dropped this down to 3 looks from the 10 I was allowed to use. MAXIMIZE your chances! They say 3 photos but don't limit you to showing one piece per photo. Show them what you can do! I.E. Do top and bottom looks for each photo, unless doing dresses. (You don't HAVE to do sportswear, you you're good at evening looks, do evening). The main thing is stay away from things that are too generic, t shirt dresses, etc. Classic looks always work, womens suits, blouses, dresses. When doing you're own looks from scratch, be careful to not go beyond your skill level. They will know. 

Take your time, don't be afraid to do it over if you have to, keep it clean, neat and well constructed.

*I would only show 1 separate if it was exceptional regarding design and construction.

PART THREE: Written Essay 
In 250 words or less, provide an example of when your point of view differed from a teacher or employer during an evaluation of your performance. How did you handle the situation?  
I might have mentioned this before, but I'll say it again, even if you haven't ever had this situation happen to you, explain how you would handle it if it did happen. Here's a tip, don't say you know you're always right:) They are trying to weed out the divas and troublemakers with this question.

Hope this info helps, as always
Good Luck

RC

On F.I.T.'s Portfoilio changes

I realize F.I.T. has changed some things since I applied, I did address it in the comments sections of some of the posts.
However, I can assume the bulk of it is still the same. If you have any questions though, leave it in the comments and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.

RC

Top Reasons F.I.T. can (and will) REJECT your portfolio

1. Poorly Constructed Garment Test

I define poorly constructed in a couple of ways. The first comes down to bad sewing, jagged seams, an outfit that just doesn't make sense etc. It can also be something extremely generic.

I posted this at number 1 because I believe F.I.T. values sewing skills more than sketching if you are applying for to their Fashion Design Apparel Concentration course. My sketching has always been pretty good, and I got rejected TWICE for having a shitty garment test.

You also have to be careful that you don't try to sew something that's clearly beyond your skill.

2. Novice sketches.
F.I.T. does allow computerized sketching, if you are not an artist and your strength is more in sewing, I'd suggest you take advantage of this just to have clean looking drawings.

Stuff that doesn't really matter after the jump


You're GPA.
If you're portfolio is tight, the GPA isn't a big issue.
If it's low, explain why if you want in you're essay or in person interview. No one's perfect and this isn't Yale.

What F.I.T. is looking for

 

Derek Lam and Jenna Lyons at Parsons

Watch this - it's excellent.

Tom Ford Documentary

The first designer I ever truly admired was Gianni Versace.
I have a treasure trove of old Fashion File/Fashion Television/Video Fashion and even some CNN Style w/ Elsa Klensch, but it's all on VHS. I will post it on Youtube one day.
Anyway, the second designer that really made me flip out was Tom Ford. Those Gucci girls were fierce!!!

Hi all

Hi guys, I'm still around
I know I haven't updated. I do try to keep up with comments/questions and respond. But if you need to contact me you can at rachelcaderomance@gmail.com

talk soon

The Fashion Fund Episode 1 - 3

Next week I will move The Fashion Fund Post to its own page. I will update the blog soon with some new posts. Not sure what I am going to do yet. Sound off in the comments if you have any suggestions!

take care RC