Wine and Water

I came across this offer a couple of days ago, and have just filled out the form online to try and get us 24 bottles of Eden Springs water for free, to go towards the water for the models. They are reviewing the application and are going to get back to me over the next few weeks to see if we qualify for this donation of water. The offer goes out to people who are helping a charity, so i mentioned our college charity ASAP, and how the fashion show helps this charity anually. I know this is only a small amount of the water we probably need, but at least it will save us a little bit of money that we could spend on something else!

Fingers crossed!

I have also come across some cheap wine in Asda that could potentially be a good one for the fashion show. Its called Luchana and it's £2.50. It might be cheap, but i decided to try it to see what it was like, and for that price it is lovely.

Dress number 4

Just managed to complete my fourth dress in final fabric, and it looks really great, and i must admit that these images don't really do it much justice. Only thing left to do is hem it and adjust the shoulder detail to fit the model. I now cant wait to start my fifth pattern and toile tomorrow, as the deadline for this project is fast approaching and with so much to still do its  a bit daunting!

As a bit of an update to the fund raising, the Easter raffle didn't exactly take off. There was no support what so ever which was disappointing, so now the prizes will go towards the fashion show raffle to help raise funds for ASAP. There are up and coming bag pack days which always help to raise funds, with the latest total from a recent pack standing at £211.84. One the weather picks up a bit, we are also participating in a sponsored walk/run, so hopefully friends and family will give generously!



Fashion Show Accessories

Over the past few weeks i have been doing a bit of shopping around for some accessories to style my models for the photoshoot and the fashion show. I have come across some really great finds in a charity shop in crewe who specialise in bridal wear at a very reasonable price. I did manage to find lots of shoes that i could style my models in, however at this point in time I don't know any of my models sizes.

I had a go with some different hairstyles to see what each would look like with the hair up and down, as at this time, we have not yet decided on a make-up or hairstyle for the fashion show. I also bought a pair of shoes because they were only £2 and at least one of my models should be a size 6.

I tried to go for a variety of accessories, not just veils, and i will continue to look for some different things in the run up to the fashion show.



The latest toile

As i mentioned in my last post, i haven't really been doing any pattern cutting or manufacturing for a few weeks due to focusing on my portfolio, however before i started my portfolio, i did begin my fourth toile's bodice which you can see below.

The beaded applique shown here won't actually be sewn onto the toile, but will be in place on the final gown to create a sheer strap. I will admit, this has been the most awkward bodice to produce so far, as you have to sew in the pleats over the bust so that they don't distort when worn. It's coming along well though, and i am really excited to hand in my portfolio brief and get started on the manufacturing side again!



Portfolio progress

Over the past few weeks i have abandoned my garment manufacture and pattern cutting to focus on the up and coming portfolio deadline. With all my attention on this brief in particular, it has allowed me to motor on through my pages within a few weeks. I have done a lot of research beforehand, which i was hoping would help me with my layouts and content, so i did have quite a good idea of how i wanted my portfolio to look. As a whole, i have gone for a vintage chic look, as i feel that if i ever opened a bridal boutique of my own, this is the style i would go for. I have really built on my Photoshop and Illustrator skills this year to, and have managed to produce a much more professional outcome than last year. These are just a few of my pages to date, i still have little bits of work to do on some, but these are the basics so far. Any feedback from anyone would be a bonus!

I have also began my range plan pages, which can be seen below. My designs have altered slightly since my written presentation, so all changes have been amended on Illustrator, which gave me some more practise on the programme. Overall it is going well, and i am actually enjoying being a bit more creative with this years portfolio.

Interview

I sent my CV out a few weeks ago to numerous bridal boutiques in the areas surrounding me, and to my delight, i have had a few positive responses regarding potential job opportunities in the future if there is a position available. I also had an interview on Tuesday 21st Feb at Aphrodite Bridal in Knutsford, which is a designer bridal boutique which prides itself in it impeccable service. Its a really beautiful little shop, well worth a look in for any bride!

Here is the link below of you want to have a look!

http://www.aphroditebridalwear.co.uk/

Now its just a case of waiting for the response! 

Half way there

I'm currently at the half way stage in the manufacture of my collection, having made 3 toiles and 3 final garments. My latest dress is now finished, and has turned out better than i had expected. Along the way, i have made a few changes to my initial designs, but each has turned out very well. This is an image of the bodice from my latest dress...

I have also managed to get hold of some inspirational accessories that i will be using in the fashion show to style my models, each individually picked to get the best from each model and to compliment each dress. So far i have a range of tiaras, head-dresses and veils, with some subtle jewellery. I keep spotting some shoes i would love to buy to style my models, but obviously i don't know their sizes until May/June so i can't buy them yet.

So my collection is slowly evolving as i manufacture, and i am getting much more of an idea of what my collection needs to improve it further.

In terms of the raffle I am organising, tickets will be going on sale after half term, and will be drawn at the start of April. Some lovely prizes on offer but i could still do with some donations.