Sarah Louise Woodward

My thoughts, inspiration, personal work, development, ideas, and journeys. A recording of my creative and personal progression throughout the duration of my fashion degree, and my life in general. Welcome to my blogging world.

Tuesday, 6 December 2011

'FAKE FUR IS WRONG, THATS WHY I WEAR REAL FUR' - THE DEBATE

Rivers all over the world are polluted green, red, pink...any colour which isn't natural by the chemicals used to make fake fur. These rivers tend to be within the less wealthy parts of the countries where clean water is perhaps more appreciated and valued than here in the UK, so why are we ruining the lives and towns belonging to these people? The water that was once respected by these communities is now uncared for and used as a bin, as the contamination is so uncontrollable.
None biodegradable materials and oil based chemicals are used to create this fake fur that many seem to think this the better option, this makes the creation almost impossible to decompose in landfill. Ruining our earth in the manufacturing process, possibly causing harm to those wearing it who breath in the chemicals which have been suggested to cause cancer, and finally when we are finished wearing the clothing it sits on our earth for many years causing environmental problems. 


Real fur is a durable, natural and sustainable material, because of this it is biodegradable and doesn't cause the problems like landfill. The fact is that animals will always die, due to prey, disease, the earth would not be able to provide for animals if they lived forever. In the cycle of life animals die, we as humans die and none of us living things stay here on earth forever. I do not support at all the cruelty to animals, I love all animals and would never harm one. I also believe we have a right and responsiblity to protect our earth... therefore fake fur is damaging, as long as animals are treated with the respect they deserve there should not be a problem with using the surplus once life has finished with them. Humans donate organs... some of us choose to use our bodies once they are no use to us. 

ANNE HOLLANDER - SEEING THROUGH CLOTHES

Anne Hollander has looked at the body and its history through art. She suggests there are three stages of development to how cloth is put on to the body.

Drapery is a basic but beautiful way of putting cloth onto the body, there is reference to this through historical images which show lengths of fabric on the body and letting the cloth fall naturally. Piecing includes cutting and sewing in a basic way, the fabric is cut to fit over peoples heads and against the body in a way which reflects the shape of the body dealing with each individual limb.The last stage she suggests is tayloring, this is the construction of clothing and fabrics to a highly skilled level, altering the fabric to bespoke conditions and adding zips to sculpt the body and change the shape with padding etc...









Saturday, 3 December 2011

LADY GAGA - MARRY THE NIGHT

Viewed in a trance, re-winding and re-watching. Managing to capture the purity of emotion and mental anguish, or perhaps torture, alongside the mass of stunning fashion presented. I appreciate GaGa for her faith in dreams and being an example that even at the bottom people can get where they want in life. She seems to be a workaholic and her personality amazes me, being such a complex character with many strong views, she has a lot to express to the world. A fan of art and fashion she helps designers who are not as well known by giving them the opportunity to showcase their works which are always truly amazing.
The video manages to keep me glued before the song even sets in.


SAVAGE BEAUTY

Passing through Waterstones today, actually in search of a present for my grandfather... the transforming face of a skull and Alexander McQueens face. I knew at the price of thirty pounds I couldn't leave it.

The book has interviews with Sarah Burton, quotes from Alexander McQueen and images of his incredible work. 

His work always seems to inspire me in some way or another, I'm sure in the future I will be referring  to it for research.


TRENT VINEYARD - GIRLS ROOM

This female only event happens every year, however tonight was the first time I've attended. With women of all ages searching through both new and reusable old clothes and jewellery, the atmosphere made the night the most successful. Some stalls selling hand made trinkits or jewellery and a fashion show with music and dancers. The women stood with confidence and supported one another.

This made me think about what I would do if it were my show and gave me inspiration and ideas.
Although I wouldn't replicate the styling or clothing used, I would however like the strong atmosphere and feeling of an actual event.

Here are some images from the show




BRITISH FASHION AWARDS 2011

Award Ceremony 2011


Winners 2011
Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen - Designer of the year


Winners 2011
Stella Tennant - Winner of the model award


Winners 2011
Victoria Beckham - Designer brand award


IF I COULD TELL YOU THE WAY IT IS

Artist - Tracey Emin