Featuring an embroidered + silkscreen skirt (kind of but not really because I used dye and not paint and it was more block printing than silkscreen (it was the start of quarantine and I had no materials ok)).
Tag: blog
Swimsuit 1/2
“Research“
Tbh, I looked up so many swimsuits but I ended up adjusting the pattern and changing some details of a swimsuit I already had because the fit was good.
Flatlays / Printmaking
In this version I’ve already made the prints but you should actually start off with the plain tech sketch then the actual patterns and grading. Then scale the patterns digitally before you make the prints. Esp if the prints you’re making are figures/art like Sandra Dee. If you don’t, if you start off with the prints you’ll end up rescaling your work and possible deforming it.
Luckily for me, this is a swimsuit so the patterns are fairly simple– it’s stretch which is a pain but sublimation-wise it’s good.
I also suggest separating them into elements so that when you scale-to-print you can rearrange to what looks best. And in case you need to edit it’s easy. See this:
I miscalculated how long the crotch is so thank heavens for layers because otherwise it would be pain to add on the rest of her torso. By the way, this sketch is the fashion sketch figure: 9-head, so laying it out here is more for reference for the manufacturer and my prof.
Scaling the Prints for Sublimation
As you can see, unfortunately, I still didn’t add enough of her torso to cover the swimsuit but c’est la vie, there’s allowance anyway and it’s not like that area is obvious.
Another mistake and why you should scale first before making the print: Sandra’s hair got cut off :((
Also I forgot to add the necklines for these two oml
Another note: you can choose to keep those lines for when the suit is printed as a guide for the sewer but I wouldn’t– the lines are thicker irl, there’s no guarantee you scaled it properly so if it’s smaller than the actual pattern you’re dead, fabric sometimes shrinks during printing, and it’s just not necessary. Make sure you provide a guide lang.
Final Product
Yay!
IMPORTANT NOTE: sublimation can fade and in the case of swimsuits it probably will. Mine still looked great but the color did fade a little bit because it’s stretch and I think we got the wrong fiber content.
Have fun!
The New Normal: Welcoming Fashion Films
Back in Paris, when fashion shows were limited to half a dozen people, the news about brands was spread through magazine publications, photographs. But as television became more widespread, you’d think it would fulfil the role fashion shows once held. Not quite. Shows became public events but they were still exclusive, reserved for the crème de la crème with a recording released later on.
Fashion and film have always been separate.
Don’t get me wrong: there have been films for fashion, but they were mostly features or ads. And fashion is frequently inspired by cinema: The themes in Batman were frequently revisited by designers such as Thierry Mugler, The Blonds, and Jeremy Scott. McQueen’s shows were routinely inspired by various films he watched. One show referenced Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, another was named after Hitchcock’s The Man Who Knew Too Much, one was even titled Supercalifragelisticexpialidoscious from Mary Poppins. His shows were known for their theatricality. I haven’t even gotten to movies such as Cleopatra and Gone with the Wind.
Rather, fashion has never felt the need to create films at par with their shows: and why should they? Again, they had shows. It garnered more than enough media attention.
Until 2020 hit.
Brands are now on equal footing. There are no longer the monetary limitations that come with holding a show or the exclusivity that buys them their notoriety. We are sharing the same global platform. Makes you wonder how that void will be filled.
I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait for what’s next.
Overdressed > underdressed
Can’t believe I’m reliving this memory.
I’m pretty sure we’ve all had our inappropriately-dressed moments, this is mine: The opening night of the Ramon Valera exhibit coincided with Filipiniana day in school. I was wearing a stripped wbebfiwufuhwe with a matching panuelo paired with dark grey jodhpur pants (that have wire buttons). Along with a woven basket bag and silver flats.
Now while dressing up for the exhibit I thought that it would be the same as the other exhibits I’ve gone to (mostly empty). Hence, I kept my top, replaced the panuelo with a necklace and changed into worn out jeans instead. I also kept my bag.
Lo and behold, the exhibit was chock full of people. Important, well dressed people. And I was wearing a 4 year old top with unraveling threads.
To further emphasise my point: even the people are art but I can’t post that here because privacy. This one girl was wearing pants wherein one pant leg was black while the other was printed denim and there were huge slits on the sides. Kinda 80’s but now. There was this other girl who was wearing this simple black dress with the most wicked shoulders: pointed upwards like demon horns and knee-length boots. She was sporting twin buns with pinkish-red streaks (Something I’m not usually a fan of because when you color your hair too much it looks dry as a dust bunny but she pulled it off).
This was the first time I’ve ever been underdressed and overdressed is so much better – at least then you’re better looking than everyone else.
Or if you’re uncomfortable with standing out once overdressed – you’re going to stand out underdressed too. At least when you dress too much you can edit: you can do so by adding a jacket, removing jewelry, lots of options. But making yourself look more extravagant? Good. luck.
xoxo,
Bithia
P.S – had a similar experience? The opposite experience? Know of a way to change your outfit without reach of your closet? Comment. Especially on the last question. SOS.
#valeraxbenilde – exhibit, picture dump and fun facts
In 10th grade, I had to choose a National Artist to report about. Obvs., I chose Ramon Valera, the only National Artist of the Philippines for Fashion.
I was impressed with the work I was able to scrounge up online but I wasn’t in awe. And I didn’t know I wasn’t in awe until I actually saw his work.
It was p h e n o m e n a l. His technique was inventive and clever, the attention to detail was astounding!
The photos were taken at the Ramon Valera opening night exhibit in CSB (College of Saint Benilde). I got to attend opening night because my art teacher invited me (i love her). The theme was Modernism and there were bits of his story written on the walls, quotes and so on.
I think the exhibit was great but I’m naught but a fashion enthusiast so my judgement is moot. Luckily, the people attending the event were professionals (not naming names but there were some big names) and I could see they loved it so you can take it from them.
Sadly, the exhibit’s only open till October 2017 (This is such a late post, sorry)(petition to have another exhibit? :D).
Weddings
Formal wear
Apparel
Fun fact # 1 : butterfly sleeves are a symbol of emancipation. It started when Filipino women were able to go to college in 1908 so it’s like a power suit. Parallel to us, America got into pantsuits because in the 1950s a lot of women gained jobs.
Still formal wear but without the butterfly sleeves and more colourful:
how
It looks like print but
beads!!
Getting some real funky vibes I love it
The necklace is part of the neckline
So is the bracelet — I didn’t realise till I looked closer. The detail is really cool I wish they’d let me lift up the sleeve 😦
Fun fact # 2 : Fashion is such a great indicator of the times! Valera’s time was shortly after the war so the Philippines craved something fun, modern and, admittedly, excessive (after all, economy was thriving then so why not).
P.s. – kudos to Valera for identifying what filipinos wanted and acting on it #goals
Illustrations
Fun fact # 3 : @all those wanna-be designers who can’t draw. Valera couldn’t draw, or he didn’t want to, so he described what he wanted to his go-to guy. I read this on a plaque so I can’t remember the name of the illustrator. I can’t seem to find it online either. If you know, do tell.
I’m posting this because I got a fire burning in my soul after attending that exhibit. I started reading up and I wanted to share the 3 most fun facts I could find. Those^ aren’t it. But I really wanted to share those so too bad. If you want to know the much nicer facts that I didn’t include here, then you’ll just have to click the link at the bottom of this post.
Also, in 10th grade, the photographic records of Valera’s work was kind of shady. Here’s my token to those other kids who need to write a paper about him 😀
I got something wrong? Want to share your own fact? Pls tell me: comment or something I love learning 😀
xoxo,
Bithia
Curious about the Philippines’ national artist but hate research? I’ve got you covered:
Intro to his life and work (This is the link I was telling you to click) — I tried to find the shortest, most accurate article about him. This includes the important bits except the fact that if he didn’t like the garment, even if he’s almost done, he’s willing to restart from scratch.
If you want to know about the terno (its importance especially) and the fact that Valera didn’t invent it –— read this. Not as short as the above but a good read.
Heels: A Rant
I’ve heard many a person say, “I hate heels, it doesn’t do anything, doesn’t help, big pain in the a**” etc. throughout my 16 sixteen years.
Well folks, listen up because Imma edumacate you.
Let’s begin with one of the greatest starters I’ve ever heard: “The sex is in the heel” from Kinky Boots.
Also this video by the almighty Try Guys that’s a pretty good description of the pros and cons of heels:
If worn properly (back straight, etc.):
- Heels push up your rear – “Asserting actual scientific reason
Heels tense the leg and the hindquarter region
Lifting the rear and making it appear
Pert and ready for mating season”
- And push back your shoulders – Which will perk up your knockers and enhance your posture.
- Look taller = look thinner – Look at #6
- Legs and rear look more toned/firm – Because of the strain.
- Holds your head up high – When you look at the floor while walking, not only will it look bad, you’ll fall on your face at some point so it’s better to keep your head high. Heels help you practice this and makes you look like a boss in the process.
- Pull off clothes you normally can’t – Helps you look like a lady and not like a kid playing dress up.
This part is a bit tricky to explain but all of those factors^ aid and abet not just your exterior but also your confidence and appreciation of self. That’s one of the best things about clothes. They make you feel beautiful and when you feel beautiful- your look is complete.
So you see? They do do something! 😀
I’ve thought of addressing all the negative comments I’ve encountered throughout the years but I figured I’ll win the Guinness World Record for longest blog post if I do. Instead, I’ll address whatever comes to mind first:
- Don’t knock it till you try it. More than once. — I realise that some people like it immediately (like my sister), others never will (which is cool), and for some it’s an acquired taste. Like horror films. What I’m saying is, don’t assume you hate it after the first two/three times. If it’s something that really doesn’t strike your fancy, don’t bash it for other people and try to acknowledge what they like about it.
- There’s nothing wrong with not liking heels — Already said^ but again; acknowledge their dislike and move on if you have nothing good to say.
- If someone spends a lot of money on heels, so what? It’s their money and obviously heels make them happy, don’t make them feel guilty for that. Teensy FYI, this applies to general circumstances. If you know someone who’s a shopaholic and spending their money on heels is throwing them in a downward spiral, that’s something else (Rebecca Bloom, I’m looking at you).
One final thing! Wearing heels won’t turn you into pre-apocalyptic Regina George, you’re still you. I personally consider looking good as putting your best ‘foot’ forward 😀
What do we say to plagiarism? Not today! (To my 10th grade English teacher: I’m sorry it’s not in APA)
http://www.metrolyrics.com/sex-is-in-the-heel-lyrics-original-broadway-cast-recording.html
https://giphy.com/search/confessions-of-a-shopaholic
For the youtube videos, just click on the video itself for the link.
https://giphy.com/gifs/hair-flip-rgsNOc5lHMvzW/
https://giphy.com/gifs/snl-saturday-night-live-season-42-l4JyTJ5xhpU2PZGQU/
This is the longest post I’ve ever made.
2018, November 10 UPDATE!!
I’m still pro-heels but in moderation guys! Too much of anything is bad 🙂
Melbourne Central
Hello
First off, the Emerging Artists Market at Melbourne Central. I have to say, one of the best malls I’ve ever gone to! Second only to Dubai Mall, which had a legit Diplodocus longus dinosaur and shark tank, among other things 😉 Each sector of that mall had different themes too so it was super fun to explore.
I’m not here to talk about that though; maybe in a different post? In the Emerging Artists Market, there were about 4 booths, all with different styles of course.
I was with my best and we were on a tight schedule so I was only able to talk to the people from Grandma Funk; Which was a-ok because it was swell! Apparently, the leading lady of Grandma Funk did not take up a fashion course but instead took up journalism. They’ve been at work for I think, 7 years? Not all that sure about the last part… The product quality at G.F. is great and the design is inventive and young. Really funky and a must visit 😉
Goodness, I sound like an ad. but I speak of naught but the truth! Sadly, forewarning, the stuff’s expensive. My glasses alone cost 35 dollars
and this top?
Around 200 dollars ;-; (Then again, they said this was the last of its kind so it’s understandable). There were sales, around 10% ? But even so, my wallet is empty now haha
If I had more money I would’ve bought this necklace from the neighbouring booth next to G.F.
But this necklace cost 22 dollars. Not much better. The other two booths, I was not able to check because tight sked. and Lizzy wanted to go back to this, admittedly adorable and cozy, hole-in-the-wall library.
The thing here is, you can get a book and borrow it for however long but you need to return it or return another book in its place. I got a book titled, “The Problem with Single Women” and Liz got, “I hate myself”. I can’t remember if she kept it or not…
At 3:00, this happened:
They emerge from the clock every hour 🙂
Thumbs up for this mall. Even if you don’t have money, you can still find things to do 🙂
**I was not able to take a photo of the Little Library so I got the photo online. I’m a good noodle so here’s the link: http://www.weekendnotes.com/melbourne-central-little-library/
bithia 