TODAY OF ETERNITY
For our final project we had to make a full collection of at least 6 outfits ready for the runway. We had complete freedom when choosing concepts, fabrics and design styles.
I chose to make a unisex collection inspired by the fragility of youth, titled ́Today of Eternity ́
My concept is based on the idea of the fragility of youth. Youth in this case is defined by spirit and not by age, and more specifically how the youth of today has lost this spirit.
We’re in a constant state of planning for the future and needing to be five steps ahead, that we don’t get the chance to enjoy the present. We miss out on the moments the youthful spirit creates. There is this feeling of being alive but not truly living.
This state of living can be described as a state of limbo. Limbo means an in between place, in religion it is between heaven and hell, but in the case of my concept it is this in between state of time, where time does not feel like it is progressing but at the same time it feels like time is always running out.
This state of limbo can be seen as a form of preservation; of time, self and spirit. The preservation of this youthful innocence in all its forms keeps one in this state of limbo for as long necessary. This state creates a contrasting sense of ‘fleeting eternity’, being at a lull in time but expecting it to run out simultaneously. This contradictory idea inspired the collection name “Today of Eternity”.
TRANSLATING CONCEPT INTO A COLLECTION
Using quite a poetic concept poses an interesting challenge to translate it into a modern streetwear collection that fits
my brands identity. I decided to make a unisex collection with oversized ‘masculine’ silhouettes but focused the rest of the design style on being inspired by the concept. I, of course, also wanted to include at least one unconventional material to really give it that Astin Lila edge. Every detail is inspired by one of the 3 main ideas of my concept; spirit in limbo, fragility, and preservation.
SPIRIT IN LIMBO - Design Style
The overall design style of the collection has a natural ethereal feeling to it. This is accomplished with the use of layerings,
flowing fits, draping and pleats. This organic soft feeling allows
for the concept to shine through while also fitting simple unisex silhouettes. The fabric manipulations help give the collection a magical, sort of out of body feeling that connects back with the idea of being a spirit in limbo.
SPIRIT IN LIMBO - Colour Scheme
The colour scheme was chosen because the colours white, lavender, and mint together represent beginning, innocence, ambition, growth, faith, and independence, which all connect back to the overall concept of the fragility of youth. This colour combination also visually lends to the ethereal and natural theme of the designs. These colours are also represented by the flowers in the pictures above, Baby’s Breath and lavender. These flowers and their colours mean renewal, reverence, transition, youth and rarity, which again connects back with the concept of this collection.
FRAGILITY - Fabrics and Textures
The fabric choice represents the idea of fragility in its contrast. I chose very strong and durable fabrics like crepe, cotton blend and leather, and combined them with softer, delicate cottons, silk organza, and satin lining. The combination and contradiction of these fabrics displays the idea of fragility within the concept.
The first introduction of unconventional materials comes in the form of crackle paint. This unique paste that dries to reveal the surface underneath is the perfect representation of fragility. The cracks have a natural texture to them that resembles tree bark and roots again relating back to the design theme of this collection while also adding an interesting a unique feeling to the garments.
PRESERVATION - Flowers
When thinking of ways to include the idea of preservation into my collection i decided upon a very direct and literal depiction; flower preservation. Using real flowers would also very much add to the natural and ethereal feeling of the collection. I used two methods of preservation: pressed flowers and flowers in resin. I used pressed lavender, baby’s breath and small leaves in between sheer fabrics, and i made beads and chains out of resin to add on organic yet luxurious feeling to the collection. I also used them to make accessories.
My moodboard shows both the ethereal feeling and the movement of the fabric captured within this collection. It also depicts the design style, with structured blazers and coats, as well how it would be paired with the jewellery. The soft lighting and colouring also matches the mood of my final collection. The combination of structural elements combined with nature shows the contrasting ideas displayed within my garments and fabric choices.
PROCESS
PHOTOSHOOT
For my photo shoot i knew right from the start that i wanted a natural feeling to it, with lots of plants to highlight the natural elements within my garments. Going out into the forest or a garden seemed to obvious and boring to me. I decided that i wanted to mix nature with the indoors and create a studio set filled with lots of real dried plants. After collecting and placing plants for nearly 5 hours the plat part of the set was ready, and the organic colour and texture of the back wall and ground sheets just added to nature vs indoor feeling.
DETAIL VIDEO
This video shows all the finer details of the whole Today of Eternity collection in the photoshoot set, showing the overall mood of the collection as well.
TECHNICAL ELEMENTS
